What to Prepare

Please read this page carefully as it provides instructions on submitting the required documents, work samples and reference information to successfully submit your application.

• To apply, you will create a login. You can save your information and return to the application at any time before your final submission.
•  If you are unable to access the online application, please contact us.
• There are two parts to the application. You are required to complete only Phase One at this time.

General Information

You will be asked to provide contact information for yourself as well as demographic information and answer questions about your journalism background. You will be required to upload work samples and other documentation, including a résumé, personal statement and journalism project proposal.

Document Uploads

You will be required to upload three documents in this section. The content and format are described below.

1. Résumé 

You will be required to upload a résumé that includes all relevant positions held since completing formal education, your educational background and professional awards received. 

2. Journalism Project Proposal

In no more than 500 words, tell us what you hope to gain for yourself, your news organization or the field of journalism more broadly. Do your reporting. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the University of Michigan and its many schools, departments and resources. We do not need to know the specific courses you would take but rather the academic areas and subjects you wish to pursue and/or the university resources you plan to tap into. Be creative and authentic. Select a project that speaks to your goals and passions. Journalism projects can include but are not limited to, sharpening professional skills, addressing a challenge facing your newsroom, digging into data and research for a long-term reporting project or developing a journalism venture.

You will also be asked to summarize your fellowship project in 60 words or less.

3. Personal Statement

You will be required to upload a personal statement of up to 1,500 words. This statement should examine what inspires you as a journalist, including your life experiences, professional interests and core ethical values. How have these factors influenced your decision to apply for a fellowship at this point in your career? What are your professional aspirations, and how do you expect the fellowship to help you attain those goals?

4. Work Samples

Please submit three samples of your work. You may submit samples from more than one medium in the accepted formats as indicated in the application. Samples should be from the past three years.

• Print/Digital: Samples should include dates of publication.
• Photography: Include captions indicating when and where photographs were published. These photographs should be from the past two years.
• Video and Audio: Maximum viewing or listening time should be a total of 30 minutes highlighting work from the past two years. Include a brief description indicating the dates aired/posted and a statement describing your involvement in each piece.
• Editors/Managers: Upload a statement of no more than 500 words describing your job responsibilities and approach to your work. In addition to the statement, you may also submit stories or projects and include a description of your role in the piece.
• Graphic/Visualization: Include dates of publication.

If your work is in a language other than English, English translations must accompany work samples. Please ensure URL links remain active throughout the application review period.

References

You do not need to submit references at this time. You will be asked to enter the name, title and affiliation of each person you ask to submit a reference on your behalf. Applicants invited to complete Phase Two of the application process will be required to contact their references at that time.

You need not do anything at this time. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be notified and asked to complete Phase Two. At that point, references will be required, and additional work samples may also be requested.

Next Steps

1. Review application and fellowship FAQ.
2. Fill out and submit application form. Application forms are hosted on the OpenWater web platform.

Application Form