DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20, 2020 ― Solutions journalists and entrepreneurs across the world can apply for the 2021 LEDE Fellowship, a programme of the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN).
Pitches from journalism entrepreneurs interested in (or already) leading a solutions journalism-oriented project that highlight how solutions journalism can be spread in communities are sought following the success of the inaugural 2019–2020 fellowship.
Eligible applicants must be actively working in journalism as journalists employed by a news organization or freelance journalists; educators teaching journalism; journalism business and management executives; or other journalism entrepreneurs and innovators.
Applicants must have been registered on SJN’s website, trained in solutions journalism, or committed to taking a training before the start of the LEDE fellowship.
Successful applicants will be provided with funding of up to $3,500, professional development and the support of the LEDE cohort itself.
Project must fulfil the four principles of the fellowship — LEVERAGE the network, ENGAGE the community, DISSEMINATE the knowledge and ELEVATE what — or who — is missing.
Fellows must commit to;
Monthly calls with sub cohorts of 4–5 other LEDE fellows with similarly focused or themed projects.
Quarterly calls with the entire cohort of 20–25 LEDE fellows, as well as select guest speakers who will support the fellows’ professional development.
Calls each trimester with SJN’s LEDE project manager Jules Hotz to assess progress on project goals.
Knowledge-sharing sessions with SJN’s greater network of journalism professionals throughout the year.
Applications open and are accepted on a rolling basis until November 20 – 5 pm EST. All applicants will be notified of their status on November 30 and whether they have advanced to the second round.
Between December 1 and December 7, second-round candidates will be asked to take a multiple-choice “What is Solutions Journalism?” test to demonstrate their knowledge of solutions journalism.
Between December 9 and December 16, final-round candidates will be invited for an interview with Julia Hotz, SJN Communities Manager and another member of the SJN team.
The 2021 LEDE fellows will be announced and onboarded on December 18 while the 2021 LEDE fellows will join a kickoff call on January 6, 12 pm EST.