Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship

2015-2016 Competition Deadline: October 14, 2014 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Digital Storytelling Fellowship

There are many definitions of Digital Storytelling. For the purpose of the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, it describes the practice of using digital tools to tell a story. Fellows may produce stories that may utilize or combine text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations, and/or social media for the purpose of producing content suitable for a National Geographic blog. Their stories may also be disseminated digitally through National Geographic Society and Department of State platforms and associated social networking sites. National Geographic will provide training for participants and National Geographic editors will mentor and support Fellows as they produce digital stories throughout their grant period. Applicants should highlight their experience with digital storytelling as it relates to their proposed project and need not be an expert in multiple digital mediums to be selected.

 

Background

The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship was launched in 2013 as a new component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. It provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to participate in an academic year of overseas travel and digital storytelling in up to three countries on a globally significant theme. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.

The wide variety of new digital media tools and platforms has created an unprecedented opportunity for people from all disciplines and backgrounds to share observations and personal narratives with global audiences online. These storytelling tools are powerful resources as we seek to expand our knowledge of pressing transnational issues and build ties across cultures.

Through the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, Fulbrighters will undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue, comparing and contrasting how that issue is experienced across borders. Utilizing a variety of digital storytelling tools, including text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations, and/or social media, Fellows will tell their stories, or the stories of those they meet, publishing their work on a a dedicated blog hosted on the National Geographic. Stories deemed by National Geographic to be of interest or merit may be considered for publication on other National Geographic platforms. In addition to receiving Fulbright benefits (for travel, stipend, health, etc.), Fellows will receive instruction in digital storytelling techniques, applicable to Fellows’ projects, including effective blog writing, video production, photography, and other relevant training, by National Geographic staff prior to their departure. Fellows will be paired with one or more National Geographic editors for continued training, editorial direction and mentoring throughout their Fulbright grant period. Fellows will provide material for a blog on the National Geographic website on a frequent and ongoing basis throughout their grant term, and will have the opportunity to develop additional content for use by National Geographic and the Department of State.

Applications for the 2015-16 academic year will be accepted for the following themes: Nature and Environment, People and Place, and Sustainability and Production (for details please see 2015-16 Fellowship Themes below).

 

 

Eligible Countries

Applications will be accepted for Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowships in any country to which there is an active Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Click here to see which countries are eligible.

 

Fields and Qualifications of Applicants