Deadline: October 13, 2015 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time | Apply here 
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Eligibility: U.S. citizens of all ages and from all backgrounds are eligible to apply

The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship was launched in 2013 as a new component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. It provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to participate in an academic year of overseas travel and digital storytelling in one, two, or three countries on a globally significant theme. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.

For the 2016-17 competition, the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship will accept proposals to undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue or issues in one country, or in multiple countries, comparing and contrasting how that issue is experienced from one country to another.

Utilizing a variety of digital storytelling tools, including text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations, and/or social media, Fellows will tell their stories, or the stories of those they meet, publishing their work on a dedicated blog hosted on the National Geographic website. Stories deemed by National Geographic to be of interest or merit may be considered for publication on other National Geographic platforms.

In addition to receiving Fulbright benefits (for travel, stipend, health, etc.), Fellows will receive instruction in digital storytelling techniques, applicable to Fellows’ projects, including effective blog writing, video production, photography, and other relevant training, by National Geographic staff prior to their departure.

Fellows will be paired with one or more National Geographic editors for continued editorial direction and mentoring throughout their Fulbright grant period. Fellows will provide material for a blog on the National Geographic website at least once per week, and will have the opportunity to develop additional content for use by National Geographic and the Department of State.

Themes:

• Our Human Story
  Themes: Culture/Geo-politics, Contemporary Social Issues (Sociology, Urbanization, Crisis, Migration)
• Our Living Planet
  Themes: Places, Environment, Climate Change, Conservation, Landscapes, Oceans
• Critical Species
  Themes: Conservation of Species, Extinction (Storytelling in this area should include a public policy frame)
• New Frontiers
  Themes: Innovations in areas of Health, Medicine, Technology, Space, Energy, Maritime issues.

Candidates from all fields are encouraged to apply, but preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience and talent in digital storytelling.

Candidates must have completed at least an undergraduate degree by the commencement of the Fulbright award, but may not hold a Ph.D. at the time of application.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated talent for storytelling (including but not limited to publications in print, online or multimedia platforms) and an academic or professional background relevant to their proposed project.

Fulbright-National Geographic applicants with questions should email to Susan Muendl via smuendl@iie.org.

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