Are you a young aspiring journalist, storyteller, or changemaker passionate about exploring cross-border issues and fostering understanding between cultures? Are you between the ages of 15 and 19 and eager to learn about journalism and media production? If so, we invite you to apply for our Join the Newsroom Fellowship Program!

About the Fellowship:

Join the Newsroom Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for youth from Bulgaria and Romania to come together, learn about journalism and from each other, and collaborate on producing their own cross-border story. The program aims to empower young people to become active participants in shaping the narrative of their shared region while fostering friendship, dialogue, and cooperation across borders. The organizers, the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista and will cover all travel and accommodation costs. The program is funded by the PROTEUS project of the Transatlantic Foundation, co-funded by the European Union.

Ten Bulgarians and ten Romanians would have a chance to participate in the program, learn what it means to be a reporter, meet and work with experienced journalists and editors from the region, and publish their own journalistic stories.

Working language in English. No prior experience in journalism or media production is required, but a strong interest in storytelling and cross-cultural exchange is highly encouraged.

Important Dates:

  • Application deadline: April 25, 2024
  • Notification of acceptance: by May 30
  • Kick-off workshop in Bulgaria: June 29-July 1
  • Closing workshop in Romania: October (exact dates: TDB)
  • Reporting and story production period: July-September

How to apply?

1. Send us a brief description of a cross-border story idea you would like to explore during the program. (max. 200 words)

Provide a brief overview of your story idea in a few sentences and clearly articulate the angle or hook of your story and why it would be of interest to readers in Bulgaria and Romania. Try to offer additional context, including relevant research and data, background information, and sources to support your story idea.

When writing your description try to answer the following questions:

Why do I want to cover this story?

Why is this story timely and relevant to both Bulgaria and Romania? 

Why should audiences in Bulgaria and Romania care about this story?

2. What is the heartbeat of your community? Send us three topics of importance for the people in your hometown (max. 300 words).

Consider the following questions as you outline your topics:

What are the pressing issues or challenges young people face in your hometown? These could be related to politics and economic development, infrastructure, human rights and social issues, environmental issues and climate change, art, culture, and education.

What are the opportunities for growth and positive change for young people in your hometown? How can young people contribute to shaping the future of their community and making a difference in the lives of others?

Who is making a difference in the lives of young people in your community? How are young people contributing to the development of your town or the country?

3. A brief video in English (up to two minutes) telling us why you would like to take part in the program and why you are a suitable candidate.

4. Complete this application form.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 19 before December 31, 2024. 
  • Applicants must be residents of Bulgaria or Romania. before December 31, 2024.
  • The closing date for entries is April 25, 2024. No entries will be accepted as part of the competition past this deadline.
  • The competition requires English proficiency at B1/B2 level.

Successful applications will be notified by the end of May.  

Winners will receive: 

  • The opportunity to participate in two workshops and travel to a neighbouring country, free of charge
  • The chance to meet and learn from prominent journalists with extensive experience in the field of media
  • The chance to report your own story and receive ongoing mentorship and guidance from experienced editors
  • The option to publish stories in Bulgarian, Romanian, and English on sCOOL Media and Gen Revista’s websites

The winners will be announced in June 2024.

Join us on a transformative journey of discovery, collaboration, and storytelling across borders! Apply now and be part of the next generation of cross-border storytellers.

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] and [email protected]

Good luck! 

This project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.