What fellows do
Our student fellowship program welcomes exceptional UW–Madison undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in creating a more ethical future for media. Over the course of one or two semesters, fellows work under the mentorship of our director, advisory board and administrator, to produce original reporting on the critical ethical issues of our time and to contribute to the life of the Center.
Former fellows have written for a national audience on a wide variety of topics – from how to cover addiction, immigration or crime, to industry changes such as AI use, corporate consolidation and the decline in trust. Their work has been recognized and shared by national press organizations and incorporated into journalism classes throughout the world.
The program offers student a challenging but flexible role, one in which they are encouraged to take on projects and pursue areas of personal and professional interest, and the opportunity to meet with and interview some of the most impressive and thoughtful journalists working today. In recognition of their time and contributions, fellows receive a $500 scholarship (per semester).
What past fellows say
“I got more clips, worked with some great students and met visiting reporters”
This fellowship was one of the highlights of my graduate studies, a way for me to dig into ethical issues in the industry — including ones of particular interest to me — and talk to the journalists and experts who are offering solutions. Plus, I got more clips, worked with some great students and met visiting reporters. I’ve recommended it to so many other students. – Natalie Yahr, 2018-2019 fellow, current member of the Center’s advisory board
“CJE showed me that ethics are the foundation of every strong editorial decision”
Coursework might teach students how to do journalism, but it often doesn’t give space to think critically about what makes journalism truly worth doing. My fellowship with CJE showed me that ethics are the foundation of every strong editorial decision, and I carry this lens into my reporting, from how I conduct interviews to how I build sources and uncover stories. I wish every journalist had the chance to build this foundation before entering the field. – Cat Carroll, 2024-2025 fellow
“Now, working in the field, I can confidently navigate ethical challenges…”
As a fellow at the Center for Journalism Ethics, I appreciated the encouragement I received to explore issues tied both to the news of the day and to my own reporting interests. As a student journalist, it was special to be able to sit down with veteran reporters and ask them questions I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to ask. Now, working in the field, I can confidently navigate ethical challenges that arise in the newsroom and in my own reporting. – Audrey Thibert, 2022-2023 fellow
“These tools helped shape the way I think about […] the power I hold as a storyteller.”
Through my fellowship with the Center for Journalism Ethics, I learned to think critically about the ethics behind newsroom policies and our profession as a whole. These tools helped shape the way I think about my role as a journalist and the power I hold as a storyteller. We as journalists witness some of humanity’s darkest and most wonderful moments and it’s a privilege to mark those moments in time, but with that privilege comes enormous responsibility. Serving as a fellow, and now advisory board member, for the Center for Journalism Ethics helped me comprehend that responsibility more clearly. – Erin McGroarty, 2021-22 fellow, current member of the Center’s advisory board
How to apply
Applications open in April of each year for fall positions and December of each year for spring positions.
Each semester, we welcome up to four student fellows, though returning fellows do not need to re-apply. We are open to undergraduate and graduate students (both professional-track students and those focused on academic research).
For questions about the program or application process, reach out to Center administrator and communications specialist, Krista Eastman at krista.eastman@wisc.edu.