ABOUT THE SHARED BYLINES EXPERIENCE

While Shared Bylines can only award a limited number of scholarships each year, we are excited to offer an expanded mentorship program to a larger cohort of Shared Bylines students. You can apply for both the mentorship and scholarship together, or you can chose to apply to only one depending on your needs and interest.

Shared Bylines scholarships: The number of awards available will be announced once crowdfunding has ended. The money you receive does not have to be put toward tuition fees or school; we understand that cost of living is higher than ever. Preference will be given to those with financial need.

Shared Bylines mentorship: Mentees will be paired with two mentors based on individual need, level of industry experience and desired career path. (Two mentors!? Yes, that’s right. In our experience, having two mentors gives mentees a wider range of knowledge and experience to draw from. Plus, one of them can usually be available) Mentors are not announced beforehand – they’re handpicked for each successful applicant to make sure there’s a great fit. Mentees will be responsible for connecting with their mentors on a consistent basis, alongside scheduled meet-ups. Mentors will also be able to offer additional networking as necessary.

This is not the equivalent of an internship or co-op program, and will not be applicable for any formal classroom requirements or other education purposes. This is solely a support in addition to existing schooling. 

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The ideal candidate will have a clear idea of a potential career path in journalism. All years of study, levels of experience and areas of interest are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have a good understanding of systemic issues that have challenged or may at some point challenge their growth. 

• You identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of colour.

• You are registered in September 2024 to attend a postsecondary institution in Canada.

• Your journalism portfolio does NOT need to be explicitly focused on diversity and equity. 

• Exceptional academic standing is NOT compulsory, but you should have demonstrable examples of how you have pursued your academic and professional growth to date. 

• Experience at a journalism school or a student journalism publication are beneficial, but NOT required. 

• The scholarship is open to students pursuing a variety of careers in journalism, including but not limited to newspapers, magazines, digital-focused platforms, digital strategy, broadcast or photojournalism.

REQUIREMENTS

• An up-to-date CV, attached as a document as well as copied into the body of your submission e-mail. 

• Three examples of your work; URLs and attachments both welcome. (If you work in audience development, digital strategy or other areas without tangible examples, please provide three samples of work accompanied by short written explanations of your process.) 

• Maximum 300 words on why you would benefit from this program. Preferred in body of your e-mail.

• Your e-mail subject line should be your name, area of interest and what you are applying for: scholarship, mentorship or both. DEADLINE EXTENDED: Please email your application to sharedbylines@gmail.com with relevant attachments by April 30, 2024 May 14, 2024

Applicants selected to move forward will be invited to interview in the summer. We will NOT ghost you; it’s important to us to provide some feedback to all applicants.