The first week of the fellowship is spent learning the tools of
research -- everything from the books to the online databases. The next
three weeks are spent learning to get electronic data and what to do with
it once you have it.
If you're interested in applying for a fellowship, prepare a one page
application that tells why you want a fellowship and what you want to
learn. You will have an advantage if you've already shown initiative in
seeking out data or learning about new reporting skills, so make sure to
list any relevant classes taken and any attempts at getting public records
(electronic or paper). We try to tailor each fellowship to the individual
reporter's needs. Give your application to Melanie Sill or Teresa Leonard.
If you want to learn more about a fellowship before you apply, talk to
Bill Krueger, Pat Stith, Chris Hardesty, or any of the past
CARR fellows:
The next CARR fellow will be:
The majority of the week is spent learning the tools of research --
everything from the books to the online databases. Database analysis and
mapping is also covered during the week. Time is built in to the week to
practice newly acquired skills.
We try to tailor each fellowship to the individual editor's needs. If
you're interested in applying for a fellowship, speak with Chris Hardesty or Will Sutton.
If you're interesting in learning more about a fellowship before you
apply, just talk to any of the past CARR fellows:
Updated 7/7/98
Reporter Fellowships
The News and Observer awards four month-long fellowships each year. These
fellowships are available to all full-time reporters. The fellowships will:
Testimonial from Craig ... "Rob Waters says an alarm should go off
whenever a reporter attempts math. I'm the prototype for this wisdom. Yet
somehow I became a database whiz, and am now equipped with CARR powers
beyond even Rob's wildest imagination. It also expanded what I already
knew about about investigative tools. Really, the fellowship deepened my
reporting skills and has inspired quite a few beat stories over the last
year. All thumbs up!"
Testimonial from Steve ... "The CARR fellowship was the only time in
my 14-year career that a newspaper said, 'Here's three weeks. Use them to
learn some really valuable skills.' A special experience."
Testimonial from Stuart ... "The CARR fellowship is a terrific
opportunity for reporters and a wise investment by the N&0. Within a week,
I had unraveled the idiosyncrasies of FoxPro and Report Writer. Within two
weeks, I was finding, loading and analyzing databases that will pay off on
my beat."
Testimonial from Anne ... "The CARR fellowship is one of the best
experiences in my 15 years of journalism. I'm appreciative of the supreme
luxury the fellowship provided -- time, to think, to talk things out at
length, to learn. Every day was a fresh education. The only problem
-- it's not long enough!
Jena's foray into CARR builds off of her use of public records on a number
of stories, including her work in Johnston County and, more recently, with
Joe Neff on the story about the Brubaker-Basnight-Hunt slush fund. "I'm
hoping that the month will help me see all the stories I've been missing
because I don't automatically think about how CARR could help me get at
them," Heath wrote in her application
No matter how little or how much you know, we can work out a training plan
to get you where you want to go. These opportunities are open to everyone,
and we encourage you to take initiative in getting the training you need.
Editor Fellowships
The News and Observer awards up to 12 week-long editor fellowships each year.
These fellowships are available to all full-time editors. The fellowships
will give editors an overview of computer assisted reporting and research.
They will learn skills needed to help coach and guide reporters.
Future CARR fellows: