Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship For Women Journalists
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship gives academic and professional opportunities to women journalists who focus on covering human rights and social justice. Since 2004, twelve journalists representing nine countries have been selected.
During this fellowship, the selected journalist will have the chance to complete research and coursework at MIT’s Center for International Studies and participate in internships with media outlets including The Boston Globe and The New York Times. The flexible structure of the program allows Fellows to pursue academic research and hone reporting skills. Past Fellows have taken advantage of opportunities to publish work under their bylines through various media outlets. Fellows have explored a wide range of under-reported issues including gender-based violence, indigenous rights, and religious intolerance.
The next application round will open in the spring of 2018.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is open to women journalists worldwide whose work focuses on human rights and social justice issues. Journalists working in print, broadcast and/or Internet-based media, including freelancers, are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a minimum of three years professional experience working full-time in news media. Internships do not count toward professional experience. Non-native English speakers must have excellent written and verbal English skills in order to fully participate in and benefit from the program.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a complete online application form with the following information:
- Current resume or CV
- Statement of Interest with Fellowship Goals
- Two work samples (links preferred)
- Two letters of recommendation
WHERE WILL THE FELLOWSHIP TAKE PLACE?
The fellow will be based at the Center for International Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a research associate during the first several months of the fellowship. Working with the IWMF, the fellow will design a program that will enable her to pursue academic research while improving her ability to cover human rights and social justice issues. She will complete internships at The Boston Globe in the Fall semester and The New York Times in the Spring semester.
HOW WILL THE FELLOWS BE SELECTED?
The fellow will be selected by a committee made up of family and friends of Elizabeth Neuffer and IWMF Advisory Council members. Consideration of candidates will be based on their complete applications, the caliber and promise of their reporting on human rights and social justice issues, and their personal statements explaining how the fellowship would be a transformative experience for their careers. Finalists for the fellowship may be interviewed by the IWMF and the Fellowship selection committee.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THE NEUFFER FELLOWSHIP?
The seven-month program begins in the Fall and concludes in the Spring every year. The program will include both an orientation session at the start of the fellowship and a wrap-up at the end. The fellow must complete the entire seven-month program.
WHAT EXPENSES WILL BE COVERED?
A fixed monthly stipend will be provided to cover housing, meals, and ground transportation during the fellowship. Round-trip economy airfare will be purchased from the fellow’s place of residence to Washington, D.C., and from Washington, D.C., to the fellowship city. The fellow will receive health insurance during the program. The fellowship does not include a salary. For fellows residing outside of the United States, the fellowship also covers the costs of applying for and obtaining a U.S. visa. The fellow will be fully responsible for any additional incidental expenses and other costs.
WILL FAMILY MEMBERS BE ABLE TO ACCOMPANY THE FELLOW?
Family members are welcome to accompany the fellow. However, the IWMF will not be responsible for any arrangements or expenses related to the travel and residence of family members, including support of visa applications.
