Application is now open for Knight-Wallace Fellowships at the University of Michigan. Interested applicants are encouraged to send in their applications before the deadline date.
About the University of Michigan and Fellowship
The University of Michigan (U-M, UMich, or just Michigan) is a distinguished public research institution situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. With its establishment dating back to 1817, the university holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest in the state of Michigan, with its founding taking place two decades before Michigan achieved statehood. Notably, Michigan is a founding member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, emphasizing its commitment to academic excellence and research leadership.
One notable opportunity offered by the University of Michigan is the Knight-Wallace Fellowships. These fellowships provide accomplished journalists with two invaluable resources: time and support. Journalists who are not only eager for personal and professional growth but are also deeply dedicated to the future of journalism can spend an entire academic year at the University of Michigan. During this time, they gain access to the university’s extensive resources and engage in immersive journalism projects.
The scope of these projects is broad and can encompass various aspects such as enhancing professional skills, tackling challenges within their newsroom, delving into data and research for extensive reporting endeavors, or even venturing into the realm of journalism startups and entrepreneurship. The Knight-Wallace Fellowships empower journalists to further their contributions to the field and elevate the standards of journalism.
Details about Knight-Wallace Fellowships at the University of Michigan:
Scholarship Sponsor: University of Michigan, USA
Scholarship Value: Check Below
Number of awards: 20
Study level: Fellowship
Host Institution(s): University of Michigan, USA
Courses: Journalism
Benefits:
Up to 20 Fellows from all areas of journalism who are prepared to advance in their careers and join in Ann Arbor for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are chosen by the university.
- Eight months of intensive study away from everyday deadlines, running from late August to April
- Individual journalism initiatives intended to address a newsroom difficulty, explore a journalistic enterprise, acquire new skills, or improve topical depth
- Faculty access to specialized resources at the University of Michigan
- Private seminars for frank, off-the-record discussions with newsroom executives, change agents, and internationally recognized experts
- Workshops to develop leadership and professional skills
- The $85,000 stipend plus $5,000 in relocation fees will be paid out every month from August to April. Wallace House will cover the costs of health insurance, course audits, and participation in compulsory seminars and fellowship activities.
- Support for individual relocation and help locating and obtaining accommodation to satisfy each Fellow’s housing requirements
- Partners and spouses are welcome to take part in fellowship programs and observe university courses.
Eligibility Criteria for Knight-Wallace Fellowships
Applicants are advised to meet the following requirements to be qualified for Knight-Wallace Fellowships at the University of Michigan:
- Experience: Candidates are required to have a minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism. This experience can be in various capacities, including but not limited to reporters, editors, data analysts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and individuals driving organizational change within news organizations.
- Current Journalism Work: Applicants must be actively engaged in some aspect of journalism, either within a news organization or as independent journalists. The majority of your current work should be in journalism.
- Exclusions: The fellowship program does not consider full-time academics, individuals working in public relations, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or those pursuing an academic degree.
- Citizenship Status: If you are a U.S. citizen, you should apply as a U.S. applicant, irrespective of whether you work in another country or for a non-U.S. journalism entity. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should apply as an international applicant, even if you are currently employed in the United States or work for an American journalism entity. It’s important to note that holding a Green Card is not equivalent to U.S. citizenship.
These criteria are set to ensure that the fellowship is open to a diverse range of qualified journalists and that it remains focused on individuals actively contributing to the field of journalism.
Selection Criteria
Classes of Fellows that reflect a range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, experiences, and journalistic specializations, as well as geographic locations and news organization types and sizes, are carefully assembled. Six to eight overseas journalists usually accompany 10 to twelve American journalists. International finalists are interviewed in January and February so that, following selections, visas may be processed. Interviews with US candidates take place in April.
Up to 20 Fellows may be accepted by the fellowship each year. Although their research plans should not be tailored to fit into any one category, U.S. candidates may still be considered for the coverage area fellowships. The selection committee will take into account the congruence between your work or fellowship project and one of their devoted fellowships if you are a candidate from the United States.
Fellowships for U.S. candidates:
- Karsten Prager Fellowship: International Reporting
- William C. Richardson Fellowship: Public Policy, Philanthropy
- Time-Warner Fellowship: Newsroom Diversity
- Mike Wallace Fellowship: Investigative Reporting
- Burton R. Benjamin Fellowship: Broadcast Journalism
- Daniel B. Burke Fellowship: General Studies
- Ford Fellowship: Transportation, Technology, Environment
- Benny Friedman Fellowship: Sports Journalism
- Knight Specialty Fellowships: Education, Medicine, Information and Technology, News Innovation
Application Process for Knight-Wallace Fellowships
- Study the application and fellowship FAQ.
- Check out the process of preparing your international application or preparing your U.S. application.
- Complete the form and send it in. On the Submittable online platform, application forms are hosted.
Further information is also available by visiting the University of Michigan website.
Application Deadline:
The deadline for international candidates (journalists who do not hold a U.S. passport) to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year is December 1, 2023. The deadline for U.S. candidates to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year is February 1, 2024.
Note: Early May is when fellowship offers are made, providing Fellows plenty of time to arrange their relocation to Ann Arbor in time for the start of the fall semester. Since relocation for the fellowship does need some planning, they offer housing help depending on each Fellow’s specific circumstances.
Not interested in this particular scholarship? See other USA scholarships here.