Apply now for ONA’s MJ Bear and HBCU Fellowships

News <svg class="icon"> <use xlink:href="#calendar" /> </svg> <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2017-06-22T18:05:08+00:00">June 22, 2017</time><time class="updated" datetime="2017-06-22T18:36:53+00:00">June 22, 2017</time> Jennifer Mizgata

These fellowships cover costs to ONA17 and include professional development opportunities

ONA is now accepting applications for two fellowship programs: the MJ Bear Fellowship, which supports promising early-career journalists, and the HBCU Digital Media Fellowship at ONA17. Both fellowships support journalists attending the upcoming Online News Association Conference (ONA17) in Washington, D.C.

We are thrilled to offer these opportunities for journalists to develop skills, connect with industry leaders and put a spotlight on their outstanding work. Applications for these fellowships are due by July 20 at 11:59 pm. ET.

Here’s a snapshot of each Fellowship:

The MJ Bear Fellowship

The MJ Bear Fellowship program identifies and celebrates three digital journalists under 30 whose work represents the best of new media. Each year, ONA recognizes two fellows in the United States or Canada and one international fellow. We’re looking for fellows who have been working on innovative digital journalism projects and who will benefit from working with mentors. Check out the previous classes of talented MJ Bear Fellows for inspiration. Each MJ Bear Fellowship provides:

  • Three online workshop sessions with a Personal Advisory Board
  • Registration, travel and accommodations for ONA17
  • Recognition at ONA17
  • ONA membership, with three years’ dues paid in full

Apply for the MJ Bear Fellowship

HBCU Digital Media Fellowship at ONA17

The HBCU Digital Media Fellowship at ONA17, provides hands-on experience reporting over the three days of ONA17 to up to five students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The students will learn from some of the best and brightest mentors in the industry and get special training sessions with industry leaders. This fellowship is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Fellows receive:

  • Complimentary ONA17 conference registration and Online Journalism Awards Banquet ticket
  • A highly-engaged conference experience, with customized training, group workshops, resume coaching and guest speakers
  • Registration, travel and accommodations for ONA17
  • Some meals, included within conference registration

Apply for the HBCU Digital Media Fellowship

Jennifer Mizgata is a program director with over 12 years of experience creating industry-changing training programs, investing in award-winning projects, and managing key relationships with journalism partners and tech stakeholders. As Director of Programs at the Online News Association, she leads many of ONA’s flagship diversity, leadership and grant programs, including the Women’s Leadership Accelerator, an intensive program aimed squarely at advancing women in digital journalism. A digital strategist dedicated to public service, Jennifer has spent her career building communities online and offline. Before joining ONA, she served as the first social media lead in the U.S. for the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations agency fighting hunger worldwide. A writer, editor and photographer, she has both led editorial coverage and done freelance work for a range of outlets.