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. 

A world once filled with mostly marine and fish noises is transforming into one of mostly human noises ... and the marine life that lurks beneath can't live

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In California, an attempt to decriminalize the possession and use of psychedelics opens doors for states to tackle their mental health crises. There are a variety of ongoing clinically-controlled

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The numbers will continue to rise throughout this year and for the years to come if this problem is not solved. Policymakers show little, if any, intent to

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Homelessness has increased by more than 5 percent over the past few years - but, that's not even capturing the full picture. Despite the specter of evictions, we're

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