Call for Applications: News Editors Institute on Covering Early Childhood in Brazil

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Applications are now open and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 26 at 11:59pm EST.

The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism is offering an intensive three-day institute for Brazilian news editors August 23-25, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro to improve news coverage of health, education, politics, social issues and the economy through the lens of young children. The seminar is for news editors across all Brazilian media interested in the science of early childhood development and the impact of pressing societal issues on children.

Applications are now open and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 26 at 11:59pm EST. Eighteen to 20 editors from across the country will be selected for this fully-paid opportunity.

Public policies aimed at children ages 0 to 6 are critical for societal gains in health, education and equality, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Research by Nobel Prize winner in Economics James Heckman shows that for every dollar invested in early childhood, society saves seven dollars (through a reduction in spending on healthcare, incarceration, et al.)

The seminar will include lectures, panels, journalist-to-journalist and other activities and address topics such as the neuroscience of early brain development, parenting, health, education and equity.

Speakers from previous seminars include internationally-recognized researchers and practitioners including Dr Jack P. Shonkoff, Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, Dr Charles Nelson III, Neuroscientist and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard University, and Juliana Prates, former deputy director of the Institute of Psychology at the Federal University of Bahia.

Preference will be given to journalists who hold lead editorial positions in Brazilian newsrooms (such as executive editors, managing editors, desk’s editors, founders) from across the country.

Applicants’ professional experience and commitment to innovative news coverage about children will be considered as will different types of news organizations such as legacy media, local and independent media outlets, and others.

The program will cover transportation costs (air or ground); 3-nights of lodging; and all meals during the institute.

Stories supported by this program have received international awards from organizations such as the Gabriel García Márquez Foundation and the UN food branch (FAO).

The seminar in Rio is part of the Dart Center’s Early Childhood Journalism Initiative, launched in 2017 to encourage journalists around the world to report on young children and caregivers. Stories produced by journalists in the program can be found here.

The program is supported by the Fundação Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for the program, you must create a free account on Submittable. Please apply here.

To submit a completed application, you will need:

  • Resume / CV
  • Professional Bio
  • Letter of interest