How do I apply?

Apply here. The application deadline is April 30. You will be notified by email about Zoom interviews by May 8th.  

What is a 2020 RJI Student Innovation Fellowship? 

A Missouri School of Journalism student interning with a local news organization by working 30 to 40 hours per week in a summer internship. These fellowships are being sponsored by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute's Palmer Innovation Endowment. They must be focused on projects using new storytelling techniques, audience engagement strategies, delivery platforms, revenue opportunities and-or other innovative initiatives. These internships can be done remotely. 

One special fellowship will be awarded to a student who wishes to work in a new University of Missouri newsroom which will be devoted to covering the COVID-19 crisis this summer. Their work will include implementing an innovative widget for content distribution from Distributed Media Labs and helping news organizations around the state use it. Please indicate interest in this specific fellowship when you apply if you want to be considered for it. 

What do the student fellows receive?

Each student fellow receives a $5,000 stipend from RJI and will be expected to work for 30 to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks, starting Monday, May 18, and finishing Friday, Aug. 7. 

Who are the summer 2020 partners?

This year we know that many newsrooms lost funding for internships due to COVID-19. If you got an internship that has been was canceled or put on hold due to funds, apply for our fellowship! If you didn’t apply for internships yet, that’s ok too! These fellowships are designed for each student to find a news partner to work with on an innovative idea of mutual interest, i.e., Google analytics, Instagram video, virtual events, new revenue experiments and more. The strongest applications will have a great idea and a committed newsroom partner. 

That said, finding a partner is not required and, depending on the idea and other factors, RJI may be able to help find you a news organization to work with.

To help you talk to a news organization and get them on board with you interning for them here is a flyer to help make your case. 

Do I qualify for a fellowship?

All current and recently graduated Missouri School of Journalism students are encouraged to apply. 

Who supervises my work?

Each newsroom will be required to assign a supervisor/mentor. In addition, RJI Director of Innovation, Kat Duncan will communicate regularly with you to make sure you are learning, receiving support and achieving your goals. 

What am I required to produce for RJI?

The student's work will be highlighted in RJI’s Innovation in Focus web series. Students will share their work, interview journalism professionals and produce tip sheets to help other newsrooms achieve the same innovation. 

How are the RJI Student Innovation Fellows chosen?

RJI's executive director and director of innovation will screen applications and choose 10 finalists to interview before awarding the fellowships.