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Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme 2022

Applications for the 2022 #CIJLyraMcKee Investigative Journalism Training and Mentoring Bursary Scheme are now closed.

 

#CIJLyraMcKee Bursary Scheme:

#CIJLyraMcKee Bursary Scheme was established in memory of a young and courageous Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee, who was shot dead by dissident republicans in Derry in April 2019.

The aim of this five-month bursary scheme is to train and mentor people from underprivileged backgrounds, who aspire to become journalists or who are at the very early stages of their journalism career.

The Lyra McKee Journalism Training Bursary was inspired by Lyra’s determination to become an investigative journalist despite personal disability, the need to care for her disabled mother as well as fighting the in-built bias against working-class entrants to journalism.

Launched in 2019, this will be our third intake (the 2020 bursary scheme was postponed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic).

 

Why apply?

#CIJLyraMcKee provides cutting edge investigative journalism training (online courses and in-person #CIJSummer Investigative Journalism Conference 2022), and regular online mentoring from leading investigative journalists, culminating in a “Pitch to the Editors” Day, when the trainees pitch their stories to working UK editors. It is a tough and very practical training programme.

“I think it’s a really generous scheme that genuinely wants to equip people with the skills to further themselves. The addition of mentoring felt vital to me. I’ve been for job interviews where the interviewer was very impressed with the fact I was on the scheme. Thanks so much.”

Bursary recipient 2021

The 2021 programme, which for the first time combined training and mentoring, has been very successful.

During the duration of the programme and assisted by the mentors, most participants secured journalism jobs and internships following their training at #CIJSummer Conference, a fantastic measure of the programme’s success. These include positions at BBC Scotland Disclosure team, The TimesDeutsche WelleBBC Humberside. Three enrolled in an NCTJ course and one trainee got a place at the BBC Future Voices Scheme for bilingual reporters. Cherise Hamilton won Gold for The Creativity Award and Bronze for Best Current Affairs Podcast from Brit Pod Awards 2021.


Who can apply?

We especially welcome applications from people from poorer backgrounds, people of colour, people with disabilities, carers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, travellers and anyone who cannot afford to pay for the #CIJSummer training. It is open to the UK and the Republic of Ireland residents only. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

 

What is covered by the bursary scheme? 

The 2022 bursary scheme has funding from the Lorana Sullivan Foundation.

The bursary covers training and mentoring, as well as, depending on the trainees needs, travel and accommodation in London to attend the #CIJSummer Conference 2022.

Key dates

  • Application deadline: Sun 10 April 2022 at 23:59
  • Offers to successful applicants made by: 1 May 2022
  • Programme starts: w/c 23 May 2022
  • #CIJSummer Conference 2022: 29-30 June at Goldsmiths, University of London
  • ‘Pitch to the Editors’ Day: w/c 19 September
  • Programme ends: w/c 26 September

 

Testimonials

“I think the scheme is invaluable and one of the best opportunities I have had in the industry. It helped me network with other journalists, develop my data skills, and attend the CIJ Summer Conference. I now feel better equipped to continue pursuing a career in journalism.”

Bursary recipient 2021

“I think it’s a really helpful scheme that genuinely wants to equip people with the skills to further themselves. The addition of mentoring felt vital to me. I’ve been for job interviews where the interviewer was very impressed with the fact I was on the scheme, so it’s given me opportunities to impress people and a boost for my CV. I’ve enjoyed it all. Thanks so much. “

Bursary recipient 2021

“I had previously thought that being an investigative journalist was a far off dream career that I didn’t really understand or know how to pursue. […] I felt encouraged by the feeling of belonging to a collective of people who all had the shared belief and desire to hold power to account.”

Bursary recipient 2019

“The experience blew my mind!”

Bursary recipient 2019