This fellowship supports students who are interested in journalism and politics.
Inner Circle
Journalism Fellowship
The Inner Circle Journalism Fellowship was awarded to four full-time CCNY undergraduate students during the 2024-2025 academic year. Each fellow receives a $1,000 stipend. This fellowship focuses on the professional development of student’s interests in journalism and politics. Students participate in career-focused programming while taking classes to further their understanding in journalism and political job fields.
This fellowship is made possible by the Inner Circle, a group of New York City political reporters and public relations people. Each year they put on a satirical show about politics. In 2024, the show was called “Turks and Chaos,” reflecting questions raised about Mayor Eric Adams’ alleged relationship with Turkish business people and diplomats.
The fellowship starts in the Fall semester each year.
$1K
In Total Funding
1
Year Program
Mentoring Support
Application Details
Application Process
- Read the fellowship description and ensure that you meet all the requirements.
- Complete and submit the application, including your responses to the essay questions, your resume, and your transcript.
- Applications usually open starting January and the deadline to apply is in February.
Program Details
- MUST be a full-time undergraduate student at CCNY for the duration of the fellowship
- MUST take one journalism class in Fall 2024 and one in Spring 2025
- MUST meet regularly with an assigned mentor
- Can be from ANY SCHOOL/MAJOR
- No GPA or citizenship requirement
- Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend during the school year. They will get one-on-one mentoring from a professional in the field.
Fellows are required to attend three workshops per semester that are part of the Racial Justice Fellows program. These workshops will enable fellows to be part of a cohort experience and meet guest speakers working on political issues.
Contact Us
Have any questions?
We’re here to assist! Whether you’re a student, alumni, or part of the community, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Student Success for more information or support.
Office of Student Success
North Academic Center, Rooms 6/270 to 6/288
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
p. 212.650.8663
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.00pm
📍Campus Map
NAC 6/288
Christine Garmendiz
212-650-8593
Debbie Cheng
2024-2025 Fellows
Abe Barrera
Abe Barrera is a senior at City College with a major in Economics and a minor in Journalism. He is a first generation student of Mexican immigrants, has 4 brothers who he tries to be a role model for. Born in Manhattan, but raised in the South Bronx for most of his life. Abe hopes to be the voice for the voiceless as he understands how it feels to not be seen. He also has a deep passion and understanding for sports, along with the athletes and their stories, and their impact on culture and society. In his off time he enjoys watching films and watching / keeping up with sports.
See more information
Alanis Omar
Alanis graduated from the City College of New York with a dual degree in political science and international relations and minored in journalism. During her college journey she pursued numerous academic opportunities, such as studying abroad in South Korea, The Netherlands and, and is a former fellow of the Democracy Corps and Semester at Washington D. C fellowships. Alanis has interned with the New York City Council, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Albrightstonebridge Group and the Presidential Campaign Harris-Walz. She is committed to her career in foreign service and is exploring career paths in international trade as well as pursuing her passion for journalism. She is destined to change her community and advocate for diversity within the environment.
See more information
Fairuz Raya
Fairuz Omar Raya is a sophomore at The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership in The City College of New York. She is a Political Science major with a minor in Journalism. As a Bangladeshi-American immigrant, Fairuz strives to highlight the depths and richness of her heritage and all the cultures and people around her. Fairuz is a writer at heart, she is an aspiring journalist with deep interest in feature writing and international reporting. She has a thirst for knowledge of the world and wants to write to give a voice to unknown wonders, whether it be people, culture, or conflicts. A fun fact about Fairuz is that she is physically active and is deeply passionate about boxing, to enhance her strength and skill.
See more information
Frederick Kumi
Frederick Opoku Kumi is a creative writing major who is also minoring in journalism. he is a senior at the city college of New York Frederick Opoku Kumi was born in Ghana African but mainly grew up in New York, America. Frederick lives with his mom and Brother in America. Journalism is an Interest to Frederick because he sees that he has potential in the world of media, and he could make an impact in the world of media which is why he choose it. Frederick Hopes to be a journalist in the future that will have his own tv show or programs or be a creative director.
See more information
Maryam Ilyas
Maryam Ilyas is a dedicated sophomore at the City College of New York, where she is pursuing a major in computer science alongside minors in journalism and international studies. Growing up in Queens, New York, Maryam has developed a strong appreciation for the city’s vibrancy. Her interests extend beyond local issues to global concerns, as she recognizes the profound impact that events around the world have on daily life. Maryam is particularly driven by the desire to bridge the gap between technology and storytelling, hoping to intersect CS and journalism to convey important news and information in an engaging and accessible way. In her free time, she enjoys diving into books, playing volleyball casually with friends, and exploring new topics that challenge her to think differently.
See more information
Muhammad Irfan
Muhammad Irfan is a senior majoring in Arts and minoring in Journalism at The City College of New York. Born in Pakistan, he grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture and rich history of his homeland. After moving to the US, Muhammad discovered a passion for photography. He now hopes to use his camera to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard and bring attention to overlooked issues. Muhammad loves motorcycles and the unique sense of freedom and adventure that comes with them. He’s also developed a growing enthusiasm for hiking, enjoying the chance to connect with nature and clear his mind whenever possible. With a curious eye and a passion for storytelling, Muhammad is always looking for new ways to explore the world around him and capture its beauty through his lens.
See more information
FAQS
Yes! The Inner Circle Journalism Fellowship is open to all full-time students at CCNY, regardless of major, GPA, or citizenship status. However, note that you need to have enough time remaining at CCNY to complete your fellowship. The fellowship starts in the fall and lasts one school year.
Fellows receive a $1,000 stipend and mentoring. You’ll also be part of a cohort of like-minded students from across CCNY, who you’ll get to know well over the course of the fellowship. It’s great to list fellowships on your resume, since they indicate that you went above and beyond in college.
There are monthly fellowship meetings during club hours.
Applications usually open in the spring.
Attend the info sessions to learn more about each fellowship. Get started on your application early – don’t put this off until the last minute! Use as much space as allotted for your essay responses, since this will enable the readers to learn more about you and your interests. Ask a friend or family member to provide feedback on your essays and help you improve them. Talk to previous or current fellows about their experiences so that you have a better understanding of the program as you’re applying.
No. Please only apply to one fellowship per cycle.
If you’re a Colin Powell School major, check out our Paid Internships Program. While not a fellowship, you can get valuable internship experience in the field of your choice.
