The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for women and nonbinary journalists focused on human rights and social justice to enhance their skills and careers. Established in memory of Elizabeth Neuffer, a courageous Boston Globe reporter who tragically died in Iraq while covering the war in 2003, the fellowship honors her legacy by supporting the next generation of journalists dedicated to reporting on global injustices.
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship provides a platform for emerging voices to continue the critical work of exposing human rights violations and social inequality through impactful journalism.
Scholarship Overview
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is an academic and professional development program designed for women and nonbinary journalists committed to human rights and social justice issues. In partnership with MIT’s Center for International Studies and leading media outlets such as The Boston Globe and The New York Times, the fellowship combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on journalism internships. Fellows gain valuable research skills and direct professional experience, helping them develop both their journalistic expertise and their ability to contribute to the fields of human rights and social justice reporting. The fellowship seeks to inspire journalists to continue the work that Elizabeth Neuffer so bravely pursued in her own career.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must identify as women or nonbinary.
- Experiences: Applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional journalism experience, whether as a staff journalist or freelancer. This gives a credit for fast consideration.
- Applicants must have demonstrated a strong focus on human rights, social justice, or similar fields in their journalism work.
- Nationality:The fellowship is open to journalists of any nationality.
- English proficiency: Non-native English speakers must possess strong written and spoken English proficiency to fully engage with the academic and professional components of the program.
Application Procedures
To apply for the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship, applicants are required to:
- Complete the online application form available on the IWMF website.
- Submit a current resume/CV detailing relevant professional experience.
- Provide writing samples or published work that showcase their commitment to human rights, social justice, or related issues.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or mentors who can attest to their journalistic work and dedication.
- Write a personal statement explaining how the fellowship aligns with their career goals, their commitment to journalism, and Elizabeth Neuffer’s enduring legacy.
Benefits of the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship offers numerous professional and academic benefits to selected fellows:
- Academic research opportunities: Candidates tend to receive academic research opportunities at MIT’s Center for International Studies, providing fellows with a strong foundation in global issues.
- Internships: Candidates are offered opportunities to participate in Internships at prestigious media outlets like The Boston Globe and The New York Times, allowing fellows to develop their reporting skills in high-profile newsrooms.
- Networking: Candidates enjoy networking opportunities with renowned journalists, human rights experts, and mentors from around the world.
- Development: Access to professional development workshops and media experts who provide guidance on building a successful career in social justice journalism.The chance to have their work published through the fellowship’s network, gaining exposure and recognition in the field of human rights journalism.
Why Choose Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship?
MIT’s Center for International Studies is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to research and its commitment to tackling global issues through academic excellence.
Fellows benefit from a combination of high-level academic research opportunities and practical, hands-on reporting experience that enhances their ability to cover complex international topics.
This unique categorised coursework and real-world journalism prepares fellows for impactful careers in human rights and social justice reporting.
Application and Deadline
Interested journalists are encouraged to apply before the deadline to take full advantage of this incredible professional development opportunity.
Deadline: The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is accepting applications until April 20th, 2025.
All applicants will be notified of the final decision by June 2025.
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.iwmf.org/programs/neuffer/