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

Watch, comment, like, and share to help spread the word.

Featured Blogs by CLMI Fellows

Read and comment on original reporting from current Fellows. 

A primer on the explosive growth of cryptocurrency, how it works and where it's headed... Subscribe Now For the past 3-4 years, cryptocurrencies have broken out of their collective bubbles,

Read More

We all know where to get vaccines, but many, struggling, still don't know where to get rental relief for their homes...A viral scourge strikes the economy as many

Read More

Why is this a thing? The problem with heavy youth incarceration, the lack of restorative supports and the absence of a mental health focus...With this many incarcerated young

Read More

It's one thing to have access to healthcare - but, it's not always quality healthcare & it's not designed for everyone in need.As the pandemic rages on, and

Read More

Contact CLMI for Enrollment Information

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.