Apply for our Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship

We’re looking for IRE’s next Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellow! This yearlong program is designed to support diversity in investigative journalism.

The 2020 fellowship is open to U.S journalists of color with at least three years of post-college work experience. Applicants currently working in a newsroom must receive the support of their employer; freelancers are also encouraged to apply.

Bracey Harris of The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, was IRE’s first fellow. As part of her fellowship, Harris explored the effects of school integration on black families in Mississippi. The fellowship included training, mentorship and additional project support.

“From walking me through how to map out a long-term investigation and balance my education beat duties to recommending hands-on training to take advantage of during IRE events, my mentors have been a lifeline as I report on the most challenging project in my journalism career to date,” Harris said.

As part of the program, the fellow must propose and work on a well-developed project that benefits their community. A mentor network of IRE members will advise the fellow throughout the year or until the project is complete, whichever comes first.

The fellowship includes a suite of resources and training opportunities:

• One-year IRE membership/renewal
• Complimentary Boot Camp registration and travel stipend.
• Complimentary 2020 CAR Conference registration, a travel stipend and up to 3 free hotel nights.
• Complimentary 2020 IRE Conference registration, a travel stipend and up to 3 free hotel nights.
• Access to complimentary IRE Data Service.
• Network of mentors who are IRE members

Fellowship applications are due Oct. 14. The recipient of the fellowship will be notified in November for a January 1 start date.

About the fellowship:
Generous donations from IRE members Mike Gruss, Meghan Hoyer, Megan Luther and Mike Tahani launched the Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship. Funding has grown through individual donors, conference donations and support from news organizations, including CNN and Gray Television. Support this program by making a donation.

Contact:

Chris Vachon, chris@ire.org or 317-371-6780.