Institute for Media and Public Trust moves forward with Journalists of Color Program

The Institute for Media and Public Trust is continuing its effort to transform Central Valley newsrooms. Its central goal is to improve the trust people have in their media.

The latest way it hopes to do that is with its Journalists of Color San Joaquin Valley Storytelling Program. This initiative will recruit students into the field of journalism, particularly from high schools where the student body has shown an interest in issues impacting the Black community and other communities of color.

Its aim is to create future newsrooms that reflect the racial diversity of the community. Kathleen Schock, a professor of journalism at Fresno City College, says the initiative will provide education as well as critical networking opportunities.

“So much of your ability to break into the field is your ability to meet people and network and so connecting these students with people who are already working in the industry so that they will be better positioned to land good jobs when they graduate,” she said.

If selected, active members will also receive $300 each month, provided they continue to meet the necessary criteria. That criteria includes pursuing a journalism degree at Fresno City College or Fresno State, as well as publishing quarterly articles and attending editorial meetings.

Applicants must be current high school seniors, and can apply by filling out the online form. After a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first cohort of students is now scheduled to be selected this October.