Academy for Alternative Journalism

Download the 2008 application (in Word) or contact us at altacademy@northwestern.edu.

Alternative newspapers like Chicago’s Reader, Portland’s Willamette Week, the Village Voice and more than 100 others in cities across the United States and Canada are writing outlets for journalists looking to report stories that few publications are willing or able to accommodate. Those involved with the alternative press conduct hard-hitting investigations, write literary features and produce cultural criticism that matters. Perhaps most importantly, they create pieces that challenge the accepted order with attitude, voice and point-of-view.
The Academy for Alternative Journalism is a hands-on program designed to introduce young writers to the alternative press. In just eight weeks, ten students from around the country will receive a crash course in reporting and writing at the Chicago campus of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

“The program is very fast paced: lots of reporting, writing, rewriting, and experiencing Chicago on a shoestring budget, and then writing about it. It’s great. Any reporter will be greatly enriched by this type of fellowship. And if you're on the fence about if journalism is for you, come and experience the craft at its finest.” -- Jonathan Cunningham, Academy class of 2005.

The Academy for Alternative Journalism was established in 2000 in an effort to recruit talented writers, especially young men and women of color, looking to contribute to the diversity of the industry. Funded by the Association for Alternative Newsweeklies, the Academy is a paid summer fellowship program that immerses students in gripping writing and reporting that has become the hallmark of the alternative press.

The Academy emphasizes the fundamentals of successful long-form journalism, including reporting, story structure and literary technique. With workshops conducted by Medill faculty and editors from a variety of alternative publications, the program is rigorous and fast-paced. Each student is expected to produce at least one piece suitable for publication by the summer’s end.

The ideal Academy candidate is an aspiring writer or journalist with aspirations of working for an alternative weekly publication. Previous journalistic experience is a plus, but not required.

Held in Medill’s Chicago newsroom in the heart of the city, the program will run from June 18 to August 13. All participants will receive a $3000 stipend as well as allowances for housing and travel.

Applications must be postmarked by February 10. Candidates should also include a letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with the applicant’s writing and work habits. A resume and four writing samples also are required.
Successful candidates will be notified no later than March 16. Please do not call about the status of your application.

“The Academy is great inspiration for young writers - it's a place where you're taken seriously for your ideas and goals, despite your age or lack of experience. Praise is as honest and forthcoming as criticism, and that's the only way to truly learn to write. The opportunity to interact with the other fellows is also invaluable - the experience is infinitely enhanced by having a built-in set of buddies, just as excited and nervous and talented as you. AAJ was one of the best summers of my life, no question.” – Jessica Lussenhop, Academy class of 2005

FACTS AT A GLANCE
WHO: Recent college grads who have completed at least three years of university study as of June, 2006. Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for the program unless they are currently in the country on a student visa.
WHAT: A stipend for $3000, housing and a travel allowance
WHERE: Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Chicago campus
WHEN: June 17 to August 12, 2007
HOW: Submit an application, resume, one recommendation and four writing samples (either published examples of your journalistic work or short academic papers that indicate your ability to gather information, synthesize it, and present it cogently).
DEADLINE: Applications must be postmarked by February 8, 2008
Northwestern University is an equal opportunity educator and employer.