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 globally significant theme. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.

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 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.

• Fellows will receive instruction in digital storytelling techniques—including effective blog writing, video production, and photography—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.
• Fellows will have the opportunity to develop additional content for use by National Geographic and the Department of State.

In 2015, applications were accepted on the following themes:

Nature and Environment 
Special Interest Areas: Biodiversity, Conservation, Climate Change

People and Places
Special Interest Areas: Cities, Cultures, Women, Youth, Global Health

Sustainability and Production 
Special Interest Areas: Agriculture/Food Security, Energy, Water/Oceans, the Arctic, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Green Economy