Chips Quinn Scholars Program: How Does It Work?

I've heard about the Chips Quinn Scholars Program for aspiring journalists, and I think it might be a good fit for me since I'm interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Can someone explain what this program entails? How competitive is the application process, and what kind of support do scholars receive? Any advice from past participants would be really appreciated!

The Chips Quinn Scholars Program is a very beneficial opportunity for aspiring journalists. It's designed to provide training and mentorship to students from underrepresented communities with a passion for journalism.

In terms of what the program entails, it begins with a week-long orientation in Nashville, TN, where Scholars are introduced to professional multimedia journalism practices and have the chance to network with established professionals in the industry. After the orientation, Scholars are placed in paid internships with partnering newsrooms across the country for a 10-12 week period.

As for the application process, it is indeed competitive as the Chips Quinn Scholars Program selects just a handful of students each year from many applicants nationwide. The program looks for students who show promising talent in journalism. That being said, they place a strong emphasis on candidates' commitment to the field of news and the potential for achievement in journalism careers.

Once accepted, scholars receive a wide range of support. In addition to the training at the orientation, scholars receive round-trip transportation to and from their internships, a living allowance, and housing assistance.

Advice from past participants often emphasizes the importance of taking full advantage of all the networking opportunities the program provides. The chance to interact with and learn from established journalists is priceless. It's also very important to make the most of your internship experience by taking on as many assignments and responsibilities as possible, to really learn and grow from the practical experience.

Overall, if you're passionate about journalism and express that clearly in your application, you may have a solid chance at being selected for this rewarding experience. So, don't hesitate to apply!