New fellowship from Medill and The Garage aims to increase diversity among media entrepreneurs
Fellow’s innovative work will address challenges facing media industry
A new fellowship for entrepreneurs working on media and media-related endeavors is being launched by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications in partnership with The Garage, NU’s entrepreneurial incubator.
The one-year fellowship will identify and support entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups—with an emphasis on women and people of color—who are working on innovation in the media industry.
The fellow will receive an $80,000 stipend for the year, and access to a variety of resources across Northwestern. The fellow also will be able to participate in select classes at Medill and in other areas of the University, and will be an active participant in both the Medill and The Garage communities.
“We’re in a time of unprecedented disruption in how we develop, distribute, consume and pay for news, and we need people from a variety of perspectives to help us innovate to address these challenges,” said Medill Dean Charles Whitaker. “We hope this fellow will help support Medill’s leadership in navigating these historic media changes with new and noteworthy approaches.”
The Garage is an 11,000 square foot space that brings together a cross-disciplinary community of students, faculty, staff and alumni who share a passion for developing ideas. Currently home to more than 60 student-founded startups and projects, the co-working space provides cutting edge technology resources, special programming and mentorship from accomplished entrepreneurs.
“We are excited to partner with Medill on this important initiative, which helps support our efforts to encourage innovation from diverse perspectives,” said Hayes Ferguson, The Garage’s associate director. “We look forward to sharing our extensive resources with an entrepreneur focused on solving a problem facing the media industry.” Fellowship candidates should have a college degree and a minimum of two years of work experience. They also should have an idea or early stage venture focused on solving a problem facing media. The selection committee includes faculty and staff from both Medill and The Garage.
Visit this webpage to apply for the fellowship.