Applications are currently closed. Our next cohort opens Fall 2026 — check back soon.

Real Journalism Training. Real Published Work.

The Civic Literacy & Media Influence Fellowship is a paid, 12-week program for Learn4Life students and alumni — mentored by veteran journalist Charles D. Ellison, with hands-on training in reporting, editorial storytelling, and public affairs media.

Three Pillars of CLMI

Scholarship & Certification

Fellows who complete the full 12-week program and return any loaned equipment earn a $1,000 scholarship, along with CLMI Fellowship Certification — credentials that strengthen a resume and a college application alike.

Hands-On Training

CLMI immerses Fellows in real editorial work — researching issues, writing weekly blogs, producing social and video content, and conducting interviews with policymakers and experts. Fellows graduate with a published portfolio, not just classroom theory.

Mentorship & Media Access

Fellows are mentored directly by Charles D. Ellison, a veteran public affairs strategist and founding Publisher of theBEnote.com — gaining direct exposure to working journalists, policymakers, and the editorial process behind real published media.

Charles Ellison

Learn from a Veteran Journalist, Political Analyst & Media Entrepreneur

CLMI is built around three key pillars: hands-on journalism training, mentorship from working media professionals, and a scholarship that rewards your commitment.

The Fellowship pairs Learn4Life students and alumni with veteran journalist Charles D. Ellison for 12 weeks of real editorial work — research, writing, video, and live interviews — published through theBEnote.com, WURDradio.com, and ecoWURD.com. Complete the program, and you’ll walk away with a certification, a portfolio of published work, and a $1,000 scholarship.

Support the Fellowship

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Featured Blogs by CLMI Fellows

Read and comment on original reporting from current Fellows. 

Abortion is among the most highly debated public policy issues in American history, particularly in the wake of the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade following its Dobbs v. Jackson

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The upcoming 2026 Congressional midterms presents opportunity for public discussion on term limits, representation in Congress and the net worth of the candidates running. A good place to

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When influential advanced artificial intelligence developer Anthropic recently clashed with the Pentagon over concerns about the use of its technology, national security experts and Silicon Valley observers seemed

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Approaching its 250th birthday, America feels like two nations sharing one flag. Neighbors become enemies over one or two election cycles. Truth turned into opinion. Social media platforms

Read More

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