The Washington Post becomes first news organization to provide scholarships to computer programmers studying journalism at Northwestern
EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Washington Post will be the first news industry partner in a scholarship program enabling computer programmers to earn a master’s degree in journalism at the Medill School at Northwestern University, followed by a paid internship at The Post.
The Post joins the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in supporting the scholarship program, which has allowed nine people with computer programming backgrounds to earn a master of science in journalism degree since 2008. All nine are now working in jobs that allow them to apply their understanding of both journalism and computer science.
“Programmers who understand journalism offer a unique skillset that is an essential part of building new tools and features that can benefit both readers and reporters. Two examples of this innovative work include The Post’s I Voted news app and The Grid, which enhanced our coverage of the presidential election last year.” said Emilio Garcia-Ruiz, Editor for Strategic Projects at The Washington Post.
“As a journalist who works with developers on a regular basis, I know how incredibly valuable this dual understanding can be in the newsroom,” said Mitch Rubin, Sports Production Editor at The Post, who will assist in administering the program.
With the combined support of the Knight Foundation and The Post, computer programmers will receive financial aid covering the full cost of tuition in Medill’s 12-month MSJ program. In addition, after graduation, scholarship winners will be guaranteed a paid internship at The Post.
"I am very pleased that The Post is our first partner in this innovative program with Medill and Knight Foundation,” said Brad Hamm, dean of Medill. “We appreciate their entrepreneurial spirit, and we look forward to working with additional news organizations to join us in making this investment in the future of journalism."
Northwestern and The Post are announcing the new partnership on the eve of the Computation + Journalism Symposium (http://computation-and-journalism.com/symposium2013/) at Georgia Tech, which brings together journalists and computer scientists to explore interdisciplinary projects.
The initial Knight Foundation grant of $639,000 in 2007 provided tuition assistance for developers studying journalism at Medill but did not include the participation of industry partners. The industry partnership program added this year is intended to further increase interest in journalism among computer programmers.
Among previous scholarship winners are Brian Boyer, who directs the news applications team at National Public Radio; Ryan Mark, director of digital product strategy and development at Chicago Tribune Media Group; Manya Gupta, Web technical editor for theworld.org; Steven Melendez of the data news team at WNYC, public radio station in New York; and Shane Shifflett, data engineer at the Center for Investigative Reporting.
More information about the scholarship program is available at http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/knight/.
About The Washington Post
The Washington Post provides award-winning news and understanding about the politics, policies, personalities and institutions that make Washington, D.C. the world’s seat of power, and is a critical tool and information source for those who call Washington, D.C. home. In digital form, The Washington Post combines its world-class journalism with the latest technology and tools, and encourages participation and customization across all platforms so readers can engage with The Washington Post anytime, anywhere. The Washington Post is owned by The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), a diversified education and media company.
About Medill
Medill was founded in 1921 and offers programs in journalism and integrated marketing communications. It teaches new techniques essential in today's digital world. Medill is leading the way in training a new generation of multimedia journalists and integrated marketing communications professionals. The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University is named after Joseph Medill, a newspaper man and former Mayor of Chicago.
Media Contacts:
Molly Gannon
The Washington Post
202-334-6794
Molly.gannon@wpost.com
Rich Gordon
Medill Northwestern University
224-558-8812
richgor@northwestern.edu
Michael Dizon
Medill Northwestern University
847-467-2961
michael.dizon@northwestern.edu
Tags: