The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship was launched in 2013 as a new component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. It provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to participate in an academic year of overseas travel and digital storytelling in one, two, or three countries 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.

The wide variety of new digital media tools and platforms has created an unprecedented opportunity for people from all disciplines and backgrounds to share observations and personal narratives with global audiences online. These storytelling tools are powerful resources as we seek to expand our knowledge of pressing transnational issues and build ties across cultures.

For the 2016-17 competition, the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship will accept proposals to undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue or issues in one country, or in multiple countries, comparing and contrasting how that issue is experienced from one country to another. Utilizing a variety of digital storytelling tools, including text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations, and/or social media, Fellows will tell their stories, or the stories of those they meet, publishing their work on a dedicated blog hosted on the National Geographic website. Stories deemed by National Geographic to be of interest or merit may be considered for publication on other National Geographic platforms. In addition to receiving Fulbright benefits (for travel, stipend, health, etc.), Fellows will receive instruction in digital storytelling techniques, applicable to Fellows’ projects, including effective blog writing, video production, photography, and other relevant training, by National Geographic staff prior to their departure. Fellows will be paired with one or more National Geographic editors for continued editorial direction and mentoring throughout their Fulbright grant period. Fellows will provide material for a blog on the National Geographic website at least once per week, and will have the opportunity to develop additional content for use by National Geographic and the Department of State.

Applications for the 2016-2017 academic year will be accepted for the following themes:

Our Human Story

Themes: Culture/Geo-politics, Contemporary Social Issues (Sociology, Urbanization, Crisis, Migration)

Themes: Culture/Geo-politics, Contemporary Social Issues (Sociology, Urbanization, Crisis, Migration) Our Living Planet

Themes: Places, Environment, Climate Change, Conservation, Landscapes, Oceans

Themes: Places, Environment, Climate Change, Conservation, Landscapes, Oceans Critical Species

Themes: Conservation of Species, Extinction (Storytelling in this area should include a public policy frame)

Themes: Conservation of Species, Extinction (Storytelling in this area should include a public policy frame) New Frontiers

Themes: Innovations in areas of Health, Medicine, Technology, Space, Energy, Maritime issues.

http://www.us.fulbrightonline.org/fulbright-nat-geo-fellowship