Military

Nonprofit Offers Paid Fellowships for Veterans Seeking Careers in Journalism

April 28, 2021Mac Caltrider
journalism, fellowship

MVJ strives to help more veterans become journalists through fellowship opportunities. US Army photo by Spc. Eric Kestner, 982nd Signal Company, courtesy of DVIDS.

Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ) is offering seven paid fellowships for veterans seeking a career in journalism. Each fellowship is valued at $200,000 and will last six months. 


While roughly 6% of Americans are veterans, less than 2% of those who work in media are veterans. MVJ is striving to change that.


“American newsrooms do not adequately reflect the diversity of our country,” MVJ founder and executive director Zack Baddorf said in a press release. “These fellowships create much-needed opportunities for military veterans to break into the journalism field, bringing their skills, experiences, and perspective with them.” 


While embarking on a career in journalism may seem daunting to veterans, MVJ’s paid fellowship program hopes to encourage seven veterans to begin that journey. Grants from the Knight Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Wyncote Foundation will fully fund the fellowships.


MVJ is a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Photo courtesy of MVJ/Facebook.

After two decades of a war on terror, veterans have unique perspectives to contribute to American media. 


“Getting more veterans into journalism ultimately benefits the American news consumer,” Baddorf said.


Those awarded the fellowships will work in newsrooms across the country. Military veterans who are early-career journalists, aspiring journalists, or journalism students are eligible to apply for the fellowships. The deadline for applying is June 11.


The seven fellows will be selected by a committee of journalists, including Jake Tapper, the CNN anchor and author of The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor, and award-winning photographer Michael McCoy.


Read Next: Behind the Scenes of ‘The Outpost’ and Other Films, This Army Vet Helps Bring Authenticity



Mac Caltrider
Mac Caltrider

Mac Caltrider is a senior staff writer for Coffee or Die Magazine. He served in the US Marine Corps and is a former police officer. Caltrider earned his bachelor’s degree in history and now reads anything he can get his hands on. He is also the creator of Pipes & Pages, a site intended to increase readership among enlisted troops. Caltrider spends most of his time reading, writing, and waging a one-man war against premature hair loss.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved