Apply Now: Common Ground Journalism Program 2025

Isaac O

1 year ago

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Common Ground USA invites applications for the 2025 Common Ground Journalism Program, an inspiring opportunity designed for students reporting in divisive and challenging times.

This initiative provides young reporters with the tools, connections, and space to cover complex issues with depth and integrity, while also promoting pluralism and understanding on campus and beyond.

About the Program

Common Ground Journalism supports student journalists committed to covering conflict, polarization, and social tension in ways that elevate nuance, humanize opposing viewpoints, and resist divisive narratives. In a media climate where student voices are often overshadowed by partisan noise or national sensationalism, this program aims to spotlight the role of campus journalism in building bridges.

The program is run in partnership with The Fulcrum—a national platform that amplifies depolarization efforts—and the Latino News Network, offering real publishing opportunities for selected participants.

What Selected Participants Receive

Participants in the 2025 Common Ground Journalism Program will benefit from:

Six training sessions with leading U.S. and international journalists and peacebuilders
$200 stipend to support their journalistic work
Common Ground Journalism Certificate upon program completion
All-expenses-paid trip to the Common Ground Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C. (November 8–9, 2025)
Opportunities to publish in The Fulcrum and/or the Latino News Network, reaching thousands of readers

This is more than just a training—it’s a movement toward reimagining the role of campus journalism in times of polarization.

Session Schedule

Participants must be available to attend all six virtual sessions held between September and October 2025:

Session 1: Thursday, September 4, 5:00–6:30 PM ET
Session 2: Thursday, September 11, 5:00–6:30 PM ET
Session 3: Thursday, September 18, 5:00–6:30 PM ET
Session 4: Tuesday, September 30, 5:00–6:30 PM ET
Session 5: Thursday, October 9, 5:00–6:30 PM ET
Session 6: Thursday, October 23, 5:00–6:30 PM ET

These sessions feature veteran journalists and peacebuilders with experience reporting in conflict zones, along with U.S.-based experts on depolarization journalism.

Who Should Apply?

Undergraduate or graduate students currently working in journalism, media studies, or related fields
Student journalists actively reporting for campus or community outlets
Applicants passionate about conflict-sensitive reporting, media ethics, and storytelling for social change

Whether you’re an editor of your student paper or a freelance contributor, if you’re committed to elevating diverse voices and moving beyond “us vs. them” narratives, this program is for you.

What Past Participants Say

100% of students from the first cohort would recommend the program to others
86.7% felt more confident reporting on minority perspectives and humanizing opposing views after completing the program

How to Apply

To be considered for the 2025 cohort, complete the application form here .

Learn more about Common Ground Journalism
For inquiries, email Nicole Donelan at ndonelan@sfcg.org with the subject line: “Common Ground Journalism Inquiry.”

A Broader Vision: From Polarization to Possibility

Common Ground USA is on a mission to transform higher education into a space of courageous dialogue and inclusive storytelling. Their wider programming includes:

Administrator’s Boot Camp: Helping campus leaders navigate crises and build resilience
Pluralism Training: Equipping students and staff with the skills to foster inclusive communities
Common Ground Journalism: Supporting journalists committed to balanced, bridge-building reporting

At a time when universities are at the heart of national debates on free speech, identity, and power, Common Ground USA sees the potential for campuses to model the pluralistic, thoughtful society we all want to live in.