How do I apply?

Apply here. Applications open October 3, 2022. Deadline to apply is November 1, 2022. Students will be notified by email about fellowship interviews by November 15, 2022. Newsrooms will be notified when/if a student match is chosen for them.

What is a 2023 RJI Student Innovation Fellowship? 

A Mizzou journalism student placed with a news organization to work 30-40 hours per week in a summer innovation fellowship. These fellowships are being sponsored by RJI’s Palmer Innovation Endowment fund. They must be focused on projects that create, extend or build upon innovative work in each newsroom.

What do the student fellows receive?

Each student fellow receives a minimum stipend of $8000 and will be expected to work for 30–40 hours a week for 12 weeks, starting mid-May and ending mid-August.

Payments are made in two parts. Half the stipend is paid at the beginning of the fellowship (after the start date) and the second half is paid at the end after all deliverables are met.

Who are the summer 2023 partners?

These fellowships are designed for each student to work with a news partner on an innovative idea of mutual interest, newsrooms are chosen based on their need and the availability of a student fellow whose interests match. If you are a newsroom who would like to host a student fellow, apply here.

Do I qualify for a fellowship?

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

Who supervises my work?

Each newsroom will be required to assign a mentor. Your mentor will give you regular feedback and provide guidance on your projects.

In addition, RJI’s Director of Innovation, Kat Duncan, will meet with you bi-weekly to make sure you are learning, supported and achieving your goals. 

What am I required to produce for RJI?

Each student’s work will be highlighted in RJI’s Innovation in Focus web series, 2-3 pieces produced by the student fellow over the course of their fellowship. Students will share their work to help other newsrooms implement the same innovation. 

How are the RJI Student Innovation Fellows chosen?

RJI’s Director of Innovation Kat Duncan will choose up to 10 finalists to interview before awarding the fellowships.