Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship
Program Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship?
The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, launched in 2013, is a component of the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program that will support up to five Fellowships for one academic year of travel and multi-media storytelling on globally significant topics. Fellows will focus their stories on one or more of the program’s annual themes. Digital stories produced by Fulbright-National Geographic Fellows will receive editorial support of National Geographic’s editorial team and be published on a dedicated blog hosted on the National Geographic website. Stories deemed to be of interest or merit may be considered for publication on other National Geographic and U.S. Department of State platforms.
What is digital storytelling?
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 through National Geographic Society and Department of State online platforms and associated social networking sites. National Geographic will provide training for participants and National Geographic editors will mentor and support Storytellers as they produce 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.
Who is eligible to apply? Who is the ideal candidate?
U.S. citizens of all ages and from all backgrounds are eligible to apply. Applicants may come from a broad range of fields, a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, and have diverse storytelling experiences. Candidates must have completed at least an undergraduate degree by the commencement of the program but may not hold a Ph.D. at the time of application. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated talent for storytelling (including but not limited to publications in print, online, or multimedia platforms) and an academic or professional background relevant to their proposed project.
What are the eligible themes for the 2018-2019 application cycle?
The National Geographic Society believes in the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to change the world. The broad themes of this year’s competition fall under National Geographic's three lenses: The Human Journey, Our Changing Planet, and Wildlife & Wild Places.
Visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program website for complete application, eligibility and program details.
