Applications for the 2022 Lenfest Next Generation Fund are now open

As the world begins to safely come back together in person, The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is bringing back support for in-person professional development and internship opportunities with a new round of our Next Generation Fund awards. 

Today, the applications are open for the 2022 Lenfest Next Generation Fund, which supports Philadelphia-area journalists and students of color with their professional development.

In 2022, the Lenfest Next Generation Fund will have two tracks: 

• The Professional Development Track provides awards of up to $1,200 to support either attendance of a professional development activity of an awardee’s choice or the purchase of equipment used for professional purposes.
• The Internship Support Track provides funding up to $4,200 to support students and journalists while participating in unpaid internships.

Journalists or journalism students who reside in the Greater Philadelphia Area and self-identify as a person of color are eligible to apply. The application deadline has been extended to Thursday May 5, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.  

The Next Generation Fund aims to increase BIPOC representation in journalism. Recognizing that in-person networking events provide a stronger chance for journalists and students to create opportunities to grow professionally, The Lenfest Institute increased the awards to make these opportunities accessible and to ensure that students of color can pursue meaningful internships without worrying about financial support.

“The Next Generation Fund is a vehicle to empower emerging BIPOC journalists and entrepreneurs,” said Lenfest Institute Program Director Shawn Mooring. “The NextGen Fund  provides an opportunity for them to invest in themselves and expand their professional networks. 

Applicants can apply to both the Internship Support Track and the Professional Development Track but preference will be given to first-time award recipients. 

For the Professional Development Track, applicants need to articulate:

• Their growth potential and ability to share what they learn with others in the news ecosystem.
• A clear vision of their career goals and how the professional development activity or the professional equipment will help them achieve their stated goals. 

Requirements for the Internship Support Track include: 

• Applicants must have applied for and been accepted to an unpaid internship.
• Applicants must either be from, attend school in, or be working in the Greater Philadelphia area.
• Preference will be given to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. 
• Preference will be given to first-time award recipients. 

For more more details, please click here 

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Samiya Green at [email protected].