The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism 2024 is currently accepting applications. As part of this fellowship, selected fellows will dedicate nine months to reporting stories that have the potential to bring about meaningful change.
O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism 2024
Supported by Marquette University, the O’Brien Fellowship not only provides an opportunity for news professionals. To conduct in-depth investigative work but also offers mentorship to student journalists.
This program is a tribute to Marquette alumni Alicia and Perry O’Brien. And it was established through an $8.3 million donation made in 2012 by their daughter, Patricia Frechette, and her husband, Peter. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is a co-founder and partner of the fellowship.
Stipend and Benefits
- A salary stipend of $75,000 for nine months will be provided, which will be paid either to the sponsoring organization or directly to independent journalists.
- A residency allowance will be given to fellows who relocate to the Milwaukee metropolitan area for the duration of the fellowship. The amount of this allowance will vary based on the family requirements of the fellow: up to $7,000 for single, married, or partnered fellows, up to $9,000 for fellows with one child, up to $10,000 for fellows with two children, and up to $12,000 for fellows with three or more children. Fellows need to submit rent receipts from their rental property owner, and the allowance will be distributed in equal monthly installments throughout the fellowship.
- Up to $7,000 can be provided as a moving allowance, although fellows originating from the Milwaukee metropolitan area are not eligible for this.
- A travel and research allowance of up to $9,000 is available, which covers expenses related to project-related travel, technology, data and documentation costs, as well as equipment needs.
- If applicable, employee benefits will continue to be paid by the fellow’s employer. Independent journalists have the option to select Marquette employee health insurance.
- During the fellowship, fellows and their spouses are eligible for tuition remission, with a maximum of seven credits, for courses offered by Marquette University.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are open to journalists who are currently employed by an organization or working as independent professionals. Who reside in the United States or its territories.
- Eligible applicants should have a minimum of five years of professional experience and regularly produce journalism, either as employees or freelancers.
- Applicants can have affiliations with various media platforms, including print publications, radio stations, television networks, websites, podcasts, online publications, wire services, or general interest magazines.
- There are no specific academic requirements for applicants.
Selection Criteria
- A proposal to develop a comprehensive multimedia project in the field of public service journalism that has the potential to make a significant impact. Drive notable reforms, and provide insights into innovative solutions for social issues.
- Demonstrated capability to complete the project within the duration of the fellowship.
- The ability to involve Marquette students as part of the reporting team, fostering a collaborative approach.
- Ensuring extensive exposure for the finished reporting, maximizing its reach and influence.
- An advisory committee comprising respected journalists and members of the Marquette faculty and alumni will interview candidates selected. From a pool of finalists recommended by the journalism faculty of the College of Communication. The advisory committee will then present a list of recommended fellows to the dean of the Diederich College of Communication for final evaluation and approval.
How to Apply
If you are interested and qualified, click on the provided link to begin your application.
For further information please visit O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism’s official website.
Application Deadline
January 19, 2024.
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