The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education is no longer accepting applications for 2023 Oakland Voices Training Academy, a six-month program designed to empower Oakland residents through newswriting, photography, and community storytelling.
The 2023 program is hybrid model, with both in-person meetings and virtual instruction via Zoom, plus a planned in-person graduation celebration, as public health conditions allow.
Correspondents will receive training and report on a range of issues highlighting the triumphs and challenges of life in the Town.
Program requirements and benefits
- Oakland Voices correspondents will be expected to attend virtual meetings throughout the six-month program, on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
- Attend an in-person orientation at the beginning of the academy, as part of one of three in-person training sessions in May, August, and October.
- Complete six assignments and other activities and exercises.
Correspondents will receive a $1,000 stipend for participation and completing assignments.
The last day to apply was Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 11:59 PM PST.
Eligibility
- Any Oakland resident who is a high school senior or older is eligible.
- Applicants are required to have access to a stable internet connection via computer or mobile device to participate in virtual meetings.
- Unhoused residents, low-income, and communities of color encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Thank you for your interest! Oakland Voices is no longer accepting applications at this time for the 2023 class. Continue to check back on our website for announcements of future classes.
Questions? Email Oakland Voices Co-Director and Academy Coordinator Rasheed Shabazz or call 510-863-1695.
History of Oakland Voices community journalism program
Oakland Voices emerged from a partnership between the Oakland Tribune and The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. Oakland Voices connects correspondents with more than a dozen media professionals to teach correspondents. Participants work individually and in teams, creating content for the Oakland Voices website. This content may also be published by program partners such as The Oaklandside or KALW Public Radio. The collaborative, applied learning approach means correspondents quickly become aware of their power and responsibility as storytellers, and as members of the media.
Storytelling with a love for the Town
Many of our correspondents join Oakland Voices because they want to reshape common misperceptions of their communities, portraying them instead as dynamic places where real people struggle, succeed, and thrive. Our team members also join the program because they have a passion for telling stories — with the camera, and with the pen. Oakland Voices allows correspondents to explore both their sense of mission and their love for storytelling, while also acquiring skills they can take into their personal and professional lives.
Meet Oakland Voices alums at The New Parkway on March 23
Interested in learning more about Oakland Voices alums before applying? Co-Director of Oakland Voices Alumni program, Momo Chang was a panelist at the Oaklandside’s Culture Makers event dedicated to local journalists on Thursday, March 23 at the New Parkway Theater in Oakland, California. See a recap published on The Oaklandside website and learn more about the event. Space is limited. Registration required.