Penn Middle East Center and South Asia Center Launch New Pulitzer International Student Reporting Fellowship Program
On February 5th, the South Asia Center, the Middle East Center, and the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting hosted a two-part event to officially launch the Pulitzer International Student Reporting Fellowship Program. The event, co-hosted by South Asia Center Assistant Director Dr. Raili Roy and Middle East Center Associate Director Dr. Mehmet Darakcioglu, served as an information session for students interested in international reporting. Additionally, the Centers screened No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka, International Emmy Award Nominee and Winner of a 2014 BRITDOC Impact Award, and played host to the filmmaker, Callum Macrae.
The event gave students the opportunity to learn about the Pulitzer International Student Reporting Fellowship, a program co-sponsored by the South Asia Center and Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. The event provided essential information to potential applicants:
- Any Penn student who is going to South Asia or the Middle East over the summer of 2015 is welcome to apply. Previous journalism experience is not a requirement but an open mind and a willingness to write, photograph and/or create videos is necessary. Center editors will work closely with the fellows on storytelling strategies, reporting methods and travel logistics. The fellows will participate in a Pulitzer Center-conducted workshop before leaving as well as mentorship and editorial support in the field.
- The 2 winning fellows, one focused on South Asia and one on the Middle East, will complete news articles, short videos, slideshows or other media products, with editorial support and mentorship. The fellows will help illuminate another part of the world for the Penn community and beyond. The fellows’ work will be published on the Pulitzer Center site and possibly other outlets. The fellows will also be expected to participate in outreach efforts for the South Asia Center or Middle East Center upon return to campus.
- The winning fellows will receive $500 upon completion of the deliverables, plus invaluable editorial support and mentorship
- Application Deadline is March 31st, 2015
Students were also treated to a screening of No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka as well as a panel discussion with No Fire Zone filmmaker Callum Macrae and Penn South Asia Studies Professor Teren Sevea. They discussed the ongoing quest for truth, justice and accountability in the aftermath of Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war.
For more information on the Pulitzer International Student Reporting Fellowship Program, or to download a fellowship application, please visit /opportunities/pulitzer. You may also want to visit the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting.