In previous years, NSWA has awarded $1,000 each for two of its members to travel to professional conferences or attend classes. Due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, NSWA has been disbursing this funding to members through mini-grants to take advantage of specific, remote career development opportunities, such as attending an Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) data visualization workshop or the Science Talk conference.
The next opportunity is hosted by The Writers’ Co-op, a business handbook for freelance writers, which is leading two mastermind groups this spring. One mastermind is for journalists, and the other for freelance writers who are also parents.
As part of our Career Development Awards, NSWA is sponsoring one slot for a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) writer in each mastermind group. The first Monday of the month for three months, starting in April, these small groups of freelance writers will meet to discuss the unique challenges of freelancing as a parent or independent journalist — and receive additional support and private coaching.
Eligibility
If you are either 1) a BIPOC freelance writer and parent or 2) a BIPOC freelance journalist who earns at least half your income from journalism, we welcome you to apply for one of these sponsorships.
In order to qualify for one of these sponsorships (a $400 value), you must be a current NSWA member who identifies as BIPOC and meets the requirements of one of the two masterminds (i.e., you are a full-time freelance writer and a parent OR you earn at least half your income from independent journalism). Those who served on the NSWA board or received a career development award between 2019 and 2021 are not eligible.
Make sure you check the details and dates of the mastermind you’d like to join:
Freelance Writers and Parents Mastermind
Freelance Journalists Mastermind
(Get information on how to join or renew NSWA membership and the benefits that come with it. Anyone interested in reporting or communicating about science, health, the environment, and technology is welcome to join.)
To Apply
To apply, please complete this form AND email your updated resume to awards@nwscience.org. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
If you have questions about the Career Development Awards program or about submitting an application, please contact info@nwscience.org. Thank you for your interest!