Two Summer Interns Secure Extended Fellowships at Major News Outlet
Grant Johnson and Emma Uber, recent graduates and summer interns, have been awarded 9.5-month fellowships at a prominent newspaper. The program aims to invest in early-career journalists.
A leading news organization has announced the recipients of its inaugural fellowship program, designed to nurture early-career journalists. Grant Johnson and Emma Uber, both recent graduates and summer interns, have been awarded 9.5-month fellowships to continue their work in the newsroom.
Grant Johnson, a 2024 graduate of James Madison University, will join the Copy Desk. During his time at university, Johnson served as editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper and led the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the oldest organization representing journalists in the United States. His achievements include winning the Associated Collegiate Press's first-place prize for In-Depth News Story of the Year in 2022, and securing the top spot in the Virginia Press Association's Sports Writing Portfolio category among nondaily publications in 2023.
Johnson's internship experience, facilitated by the Dow Jones News Fund, a nonprofit organization promoting journalism careers, has been marked by his attention to detail and willingness to question story elements, including leads. Prior to this opportunity, he gained experience as a news and sports reporter for a local publication in Fairfax County, Virginia's most populous county.
Emma Uber, who will be reporting on law enforcement in Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun counties, is a recent graduate of Indiana University. During her studies, Uber was actively involved with the Indiana Daily Student, a newspaper serving the university community since 1867, and was a founding board member of the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism, a nonprofit newsroom at the university.
Uber's summer internship was highlighted by her quick and impactful reporting on various topics, including a labor dispute at a local coffee roaster, community efforts to restore an iconic sign, and a young girl's historic fishing achievement. Her previous experience includes working with USA Today's national investigative team and interning at regional publications.
These fellowships represent a significant investment in the future of journalism, providing Johnson and Uber with an extended opportunity to contribute to and grow within a professional newsroom environment. The program builds upon the traditional 10-week summer internship, offering a more immersive 9.5-month experience for these promising young journalists.
"We are thrilled to announce that 2024 summer interns Grant Johnson and Emma Uber have been awarded 9.5-month fellowships to edit on the Copy Desk and report for the Local staff, respectively."
As the media landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this fellowship program play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of journalists, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to excel in the field.
