Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship 2022-2023
2022-2023 Competition Deadline: Tuesday October 12, 2021 at 5 pm Eastern Time
The Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship, a component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, provides opportunities for selected Fulbright US Student Study/Research grantees to participate in an academic year of storytelling on a globally significant theme. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.
For the 2022-2023 competition, the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship will accept proposals to undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue as an enhancement to their Fulbright research or arts project. The National Geographic Society’s focus areas are: Oceans, Land, Wildlife, Human History & Cultures, and Human Ingenuity. Storytellers may use a variety of storytelling tools—including, but not limited to writing, photography, video, audio/podcasts, maps, or graphic illustrations to share their stories.
In addition to receiving standard Fulbright benefits (for travel, stipend, health, etc.) and a materials and reporting special allowance, Storytellers receive instruction in storytelling techniques, including effective blog writing, video production, photography, public speaking, and other relevant training by National Geographic staff prior to their departure. National Geographic also provide editorial mentorship for Fellows during their Fulbright grant period. Storytellers provide material for National Geographic Society’s Field Notes blog throughout their grant term and have the opportunity to pitch stories for other National Geographic platforms.
The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. The Fulbright-National Geographic Fellowship seeks individuals with a talent for and interest in storytelling. Projects that emphasize science, technology, and storytelling to help protect species-at-risk, better understand human history and culture, conserve of our planet’s land and oceans and build a more sustainable future are welcome.
Eligibility
Fulbright-National Geographic Fellows must be selected for a Fulbright Study/Research Grant by the eligible country for which they applied and meet the criteria of the Fulbright Study/Research requirements of the host country.
Candidates from all fields are encouraged to apply.
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience and talent in storytelling. Candidates must have completed at least an undergraduate degree by the commencement of the Fulbright award.
Storytelling Aspect
There are many definitions of Storytelling. For the purpose of the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship, it describes the practice of using tools to tell a story. Storytellers may produce stories that may utilize or combine text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations, etc. for the purpose of producing content suitable for National Geographic online platforms and social media. Their stories may also be disseminated through National Geographic Society and U.S. Department of State online platforms and associated social networking sites. National Geographic will provide training for participants and National Geographic editors will mentor and support Storytellers as they produce stories throughout their grant period. Applicants should highlight their experience with storytelling as it relates to their proposed project and need not be an expert in multiple digital mediums to be selected.
Application Information
All application materials, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted in the Fulbright Online Application and Recommendation System by Tuesday October 12, 2021 at 5 pm Eastern Time. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.
In addition to the Fulbright Study/Research Application, the following supplemental materials are required and to be uploaded into the application:
- Storytelling Proposal
- Storytelling Portfolio and Narrative
Check the Fulbright-National Geographic Application Components section for guidelines on submitting these required materials. Applicants must select “Yes” to “Are you applying for the Fulbright-National Geographic Fellowship?”
Email us if you have questions about the Fulbright-National Geographic application.