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Apply for the Fellowship
The Application Window is Currently OPEN
Fall 2026 Cohort Application Window Closes August 14th
The Civic Literacy & Media Influence Fellowship:
A Paid Journalism Fellowship for Current Students & Alumni
Students and Alumni have an opportunity to apply for a paid 12-week fellowship position to learn about the practice of journalism and editorial storytelling. 
Student fellows will be mentored by Mr. Charles Ellison, consultant to Lifelong Learning.
CHARLES D. ELLISON is an award-winning veteran public affairs expert, Principal & Chief Strategist of B|E Strategy (a 2024 Reed Awards finalist) and founding Publisher of theBEnote.com. Ellison is the Executive Producer & Host of the widely viewed public affairs podcast “Decision Makers,” as well as host and co-Producer of the monthly podcast “What Happens Next?” He is a 2023 Emerson Collective “Climate Pivot” Fellow, a Senior Fellow at the Smart Surfaces Coalition, and Founding Lecturer for the Civic Literacy and Media Influence Institute. A former public affairs broadcaster featured in numerous media outlets, he also directs the Council on Communities of Color at the Council of State Governments. His work has been featured in a number of major publications. He lives in the Washington, D.C.-area with his wife Dian, Co-Principal of B|E Strategy, and is the father of three wonderful daughters.
Requirements
To be considered for the Civic Literacy & Media Influence Fellowship (CLMI), applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Complete and submit the CLMI Fellowship Application.
- Be between the ages of 16–22.
- Demonstrate strong writing skills.
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA.
- Be currently enrolled in or a graduate of an eligible LLAC school, including Learn4Life, Flex, Elev8, Holston Academy, Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA), or another eligible LLAC school network.
- Submit one completed Verification Form from a teacher, counselor, principal, professor, instructor, academic advisor, educational mentor, or other qualified educational representative.
- Commit to completing the full 12-week Fellowship Program if selected.
- Attend the required weekly cohort sessions (session dates and times may vary).
- Have no more than two (2) unexcused absences.
Essay Requirement
Applicants must submit a 1–2-page essay addressing the following:
- Why this fellowship opportunity is important to you.
- Your educational and career plans.
- Your community involvement and/or volunteer experience.
- Your achievements, aspirations, future goals, and why you would be a strong candidate for the CLMI Fellowship.
Video Submission
Applicants must submit a 90-second video introducing themselves and explaining why they should be selected for the CLMI Fellowship. Videos may be shared via YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, Google Drive, or another publicly accessible video-sharing platform.Terms & Conditions
By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to the CLMI Fellowship Terms & Conditions.
Alumni Applicants
Alumni applicants must obtain eligibility verification from the Manager of Student & Alumni Relations by emailing [email protected], or from another authorized LLAC administrator.
Questions?
Please contact us at [email protected]
Activities/Developmental Roles:
- Writing (blogs)
- Video-media or “VLOG” Production
- Guest Bookings
- Social-media
- Amplification
- Topic and Data research
Student Benefits
- Civic Literacy & Media Influence Fellowship – Certification
- Professional Experience
- Resume Development
- Reference Building
- Monetary Award Upon Completion of Fellowship