Cathy Standiford Fellowship in Creative Writing & Journalism

The Standiford Fellowship was established to provide students interested in careers in creative writing or journalism an opportunity to work on a project or participate in an unpaid internship that is focused on uplifting the marginalized voices from underrepresented, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities.

The fellowship supports students to embark on a writing project or internship that seeks that includes and elevates marginalized voices to increase awareness of social issues and eradicate racial and social disparities. 

Eligibility Criteria

• First-years, sophomores, or juniors in good academic standing; Seniors eligible if graduating the following Fall semester 
• Open to students of any major or academic program.
• A minimum 2.8 GPA.

Selection Criteria

• The ability to conduct and complete the proposed creative writing project, journalism project, or unpaid internship that aligns with the fellowship's objective.
• Must have a demonstrated commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and communities.

Program Benefits

• A stipend of $6,000 to conduct and complete the proposed project.
• A stipend of $1,000 that can be used for tuition or student loans.
• The faculty mentor will also receive a stipend of $500 upon completion of the project. 

Applying to the Program

The application will be due on March 4, 2024. Use this guide to gather your application documents. Please request these items two weeks prior to the fellowship deadline.

A complete application consists of:

• Unofficial academic transcripts.
• A Course Progress Report for each course (3-4 courses only) you are currently enrolled in.
• Signed sample Student Contract.
• Signed Mentor Agreement.
• A written recommendation letter from the faculty member for the project.
• A reference contact from someone outside your major and the project’s focus. This can be a faculty member, or when applicable to the project, a personal reference (e.g., employer, internship supervisor, volunteer coordinator).
• A 500-word essay explaining why you want this fellowship opportunity, how you will benefit from the fellowship both personally and professionally, your career goals and what personal qualities (skills, attributes, and/or abilities) you possess that will ensure a successful fellowship experience. 
• A 1000-word essay outlining the proposed research project or internship experience. This should articulate the primary objective of your project, discuss why is it important, explain the methodology(ies)/ approach(es) that will be used to accomplish your objective, present a timeline for the project during the fellowship period, and identify the venues through which you envision sharing your written project.  

Fellowship Advisor

Elizabeth Sanchez
esanche1@whittier.edu

Past Fellows

Paige Meyer- Draffen (2023)