Thank you for your interest in the Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship, which over more than 15 years has supported some of the most deeply-reported, creative and impactful education journalism being produced in the country.
I know the power of a Spencer fellowship first-hand having worked on my book, Hope Against Hope, about the New Orleans schools, as a fellow in 2010-11. The close mentorship and exposure to leading researchers and thinkers on school reform and charter schools challenged my thinking, motivating me to ask questions that I didn’t know that I had. Hope Against Hope was a stronger book for my time as a Spencer.
I am one of more than 50 fellows who since 2008 have been able to take advantage of their year at this extraordinary research university to expand their thinking, their skill sets, their source base and their sense of what is possible.
Spencer projects take many different forms. Past fellows have written in-depth magazine and newspaper series, produced radio documentaries, created podcasts, and written books. Many have gone on to become journalistic entrepreneurs and leaders in the field.
Since 2012, we have also offered a non-residential option, for those candidates who have a great project idea, but can’t relocate to New York City for a year. In addition, the fellowship is open to educators and others who can show they have the capacity and experience to produce a significant journalistic work.
If there is a big story you’ve always wanted to dig into, one that you know would benefit from a deeper dive into the kinds of research opportunities available at Columbia University and beyond, we invite you to apply. We welcome inquiries of all kinds, including from those in the early stages of forming an idea, or thinking about applying.
Sincerely,
Sarah Carr, Director, Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship, sec2002@columbia.edu
