Professional Development

Maynard 200 is the cornerstone program advancing the Maynard Institute’s efforts to expand the diversity pipeline in news media and dismantle structural racism in its newsrooms. Since 2018, the Maynard Institute has trained over 140 media leaders, storytellers, and entrepreneurs through the fellowship program. In 2023, the program returns to a hybrid format, with an in-person training in June, and a virtual training via Zoom in October. The first training week is hosted by Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University (TCU), in Fort Worth, Texas.

Program Overview

About Maynard 200

The Maynard 200 Fellowship provides professional development training and year-long mentorship for leaders, storytellers, frontline editors and managers, and media entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds. Fellows benefit from cutting-edge curricula designed and delivered by distinguished faculty across relevant disciplines. Plus, each fellow gains one-to-one mentorship from a veteran media executive or expert that aligns with their relevant discipline.

Maynard 200 is a tuition-free fellowship program and has been supported by our funders including Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Google News Initiative and The Hearthland Foundation. The Fox Corporation is a returning sponsor. In addition, hotel accommodations for fellows will be covered for the June in-person training week at TCU. Fellows will also be individually reimbursed through the program up to $500 for their airfare and ground transportation.

In 2023, the Maynard 200 program will select a maximum of 40 fellows across the following four curriculum tracks:

• Investigative Storytellers
• Executive Leaders
• Frontline Editors & Managers
• Media Entrepreneurs & Product Developers

All Maynard 200 fellows will gather in-person in late June at Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. The second week of training will take place virtually via Zoom in late October. In addition, Maynard 200 fellows will conduct project work that takes place virtually over the 8-week period between trainings.

Maynard Institute programs are open to all. We are committed to addressing the under-representation of people of color and other historically disadvantaged groups in media-related professions, and so we make special efforts to recruit individuals from these groups for our programs.

Applicants living outside the United States must be affiliated with or contributing content to a U.S.- based media outlet or organization.

Mentorship that makes a difference

We often refer to the extended network of our program alumni as the Maynard Family. One of the main benefits of the Maynard 200 Fellowship program is access to Maynard Family mentors in the industry. The Maynard 200 Fellowship program’s unique one-on-one mentorship component continues well into 2024.

After the formal training curriculum concludes in October 2023, Maynard 200 fellows are paired with a veteran media professional or issue expert who has committed to mentoring the fellow for a full year. Successful fellows meet with their assigned mentors at least once per month for conversational consults as schedules permit.

Maynard 200 mentors comprise award-winning media executives, academics, communications professionals and business and entrepreneurship experts. We are proud to have several Maynard Institute alumni, including graduates from its legacy programs and past Maynard 200 Fellowship programs, who serve as mentors.

The community building that occurs with Maynard 200 Fellowship peers and mentors is key to pushing the industry forward. The Maynard 200 program supports and emboldens the next generation of leaders, managers, editors, storytellers, product creators and founders of new media ventures.

Watch this 3 minute video to understand why the Maynard 200 program is so meaningful to both fellows and faculty. The video kicks off with scenes from the 2022 welcome reception, where guests were asked to describe how they felt about the program in one word. From “Inspired” and “honored” to “supported” and “connected,” fellows shared how they felt. The one word spoken into the microphone by Denise Watson, features editor at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press in Virginia, was “empower…that’s what Maynard has always done and that’s what I hope to do.“

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Curriculum Tracks

Designed for your media career path

Applicants select their preferred curriculum track based on their career goals. Across all tracks, successful Maynard 200 fellows are engaged, interactive and cooperative participants, eager to collaborate with colleagues, instructors and coaches during workshops, roundtable discussions and webinars. Fellows are equally engaged after training sessions conclude when meeting with mentors throughout the following year. This commitment helps fellows form bonds and professional networks that may sustain them throughout their career and ensures a successful learning experience for all participants.

The Maynard 200 fellowship offers training in 4 tracks:

• Investigative Storytellers
• Executive Leaders
• Frontline Editors & Managers
• Media Entrepreneurs & Product Developers

The Investigative Storytellers track is focused on frameworks to hone investigative reporting skills. It will explore the anatomy of an investigative project, how to hold an accountability interview, find information, analyze data and file effective requests for documents, as well as other investigative techniques. This curriculum will also prepare you for the logistics involved in mounting a major investigative project and step back and conduct sessions that reconnect you with your inner storyteller. Applicants in this track are required to have at least 5 years journalism experience in general. Prior experience in investigative reporting is not required, but sharpening this skill should be a main part of the applicant’s goals.

The Executive Leaders track is designed for high-level managers who are poised to ascend to the top-most levels of leadership within an organization. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of management and leadership roles with increasing responsibility. The track will provide media and newsroom leaders with in-depth assessments of their leadership and management style, and offer strategies for boosting their leadership skills and advancing their functional acumen. The curriculum will focus on leadership competencies, organizational direction, financial oversight, human capital strategies and governance issues.

The Frontline Editors and Managers track will provide training for new editors, including assigning editors both print and online; for assignment editors and executive producers in broadcast who supervise either in-house reporters, writers, and producers or freelancers or both. It is also geared for mid-level managers who may or may not have direct reports, but hold strategic leadership or communications roles in their newsrooms or media organizations. We will tackle the following topics or similar themes: success in management; resilient leadership; building strong teams; difficult conversations; effective transition strategies for new editors and managers; hands-on editing workshops including effective coaching and critiques. Applicants in this track are required to have 1 to 5 years of experience in a manager and/or editor role.

The Media Entrepreneurs & Product Developers track will provide training for individuals on how to build sustainable media-related businesses, by being able to think more critically and creatively. We’ll be focusing on the following themes: building a business plan, effective pitching to stakeholders, prototyping a product, raising funds, building a team and pivoting as needed. We are seeking candidates who either operate their own independent entrepreneurial venture or have new product development responsibilities in established media organizations. These candidates, at minimum, should have developed a preliminary business plan for their new product concept.

Visit our blog from last year’s program to learn about the Maynard 200 program’s executives-in-residence Dickson Louie for media entrepreneurs, Virgil Smith for executive leaders, Aaron Glantz for investigative storytellers and John X. Miller for frontline editors and managers.

Project Work and Requirements

All tracks will gather in-person in late June for training sessions and workshops. Fellows are required to submit any meeting pre-work and assignments at designated deadlines. In addition to in-person training sessions, Maynard 200 fellows will be assigned project work and periodic, virtual meetings via Zoom over the course of the fellowship program. The final week of training in late October will be held virtually over Zoom.

Each curriculum track has customized training and project assignments. All tracks require engaged, interactive and cooperative participants, eager to collaborate with colleagues, instructors and coaches during workshops.

Successful fellows meet with their assigned mentors at least once per month for conversational consults as schedules permit.

Some projects are specific to only one curriculum track, while other projects involve cross-functional collaboration of multiple tracks as outlined below.

The Executive Leaders track requires participation in a 360° assessment. This is regardless of whether a candidate recently took part in a similar assessment. The Maynard Institute will cover the cost of this assessment.

Fellows in the Media Entreprenuers and Product Developers track are required to draft, develop, finalize and pitch their ideas to a small panel of judges. This process involves coaching sessions, office hours, and assignments. Pitch judges will select 2 fellows for cash awards. Read about the award-winning Maynard 200 fellows of 2022 who were recognized for their outstanding media venture pitches. The two $1,000 awards began in 2021 and are funded by the Maynard Institute and donations from media strategist and executive-in-residence, Dickson Louie.

Business Case Study Challenge

Three tracks — Executive Leaders, Frontline Editors and Managers, and Media Entrepreneurs and Product Developers — will participate in a business case study challenge. Participants will be briefed on challenges facing a real, present-day media organization.

Work on this project will be done in teams and will focus on market research and the development of proposed solutions. Teams will work together to create a presentation to share with the news organization’s leadership at the October Maynard 200 gathering.

The work will be done in the months between the June and October training meetings of Maynard 200. Participants should expect to devote 2-4 hours per week, over an eight-week period, to research and team discussion.

As part of these projects, fellows may be given access to proprietary newsroom data which will require participating fellows to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Visit our blog for a recap of the Class of 2022 case study and presentation presented to leadership at the Los Angeles Times coming soon.

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Application Requirements

Start your application today!

All Maynard 200 applications must be received by Friday, March 31, 2023 by 11:59pm PDT via this online form.

Note: A Google account is required to apply. This allows applicants to autosave draft applications, upload files and automatically receive an emailed copy of their final submission.

The online form allows applicants to select their preferred curriculum track. Applicants are also asked to provide an updated resume, work samples, references, and a short essay. The essay question prompts are specific to the chosen curriculum track and explore an applicant’s professional background, desired takeaways from the program, unique life experience and perspectives.

Key requirements of the online application include:

• Current Resume
• 750-1,000 word essay response to track-specific question prompts
• 500 word narrative bio
• Work samples and/or relevant materials
• Two reference letters with contact information

The application form allows applicants to upload recommendation letters. Each recommendation letter should be 500 words or less and include the references name, role, and their preferred method of contact information (email and/or phone). At least one of the references provided should be a current or previous supervisor, or someone familiar with the applicant’s work.

Maynard Institute programs are open to all. We are committed to addressing the under-representation of people of color and other historically disadvantaged groups in media-related professions, and so we make special efforts to recruit individuals from these groups for our programs.

Applicants living outside the United States must be affiliated with or contributing content to a U.S.- based media outlet or organization.

When submitting applications, candidates are required to acknowledge that Maynard 200 fellows must attend both weeks of training sessions, as well as fulfill all program components, in order to graduate from the program.

Eligible applicants will be contacted during the interview selection process with more details in April.

To assist in the application process, this editable document is provided as a time-saving tool for drafting application answers. Applicants will need to make a copy of this Google Doc for drafting answers, then copy and paste those answers into the online Google Form application. IMPORTANT: all applicants must submit their application using the online Google Form application. Other document formats will not be considered.

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Dates and Location

Convening in person in June 2023!

The 2023 program is slated to kick-off in person at Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Note: The training dates and meeting location are subject to change due to potential COVID-19 variant surges. The Maynard Institute will adapt to pandemic developments to protect the health of all participants. If necessary, the program sessions may pivot from in-person to virtual sessions. Whether in-person or virtual, Maynard 200 fellows are required to attend both weeks of training sessions, as well as fulfill all program components, in order to graduate from the program.

Training Dates

• In-person Training Sessions: June 26 - June 30
• Virtual Training Sessions: October 23 - October 26

Travel Subsidy

Hotel accommodations are covered by the program for the in-person training week and fellows will be individually reimbursed up to $500 for their airfare and ground transportation.

For fellows based outside of the United States, travel allocations will also be capped. However, we will make every effort to minimize costs for international fellows.

Applicants who have a financial hardship that would prevent them from participating in this program may cite their reasons for seeking additional financial aid as part of their application essay. For more information, reach out to: Maynard 200 Director, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley at okeeley@mije.org.

COVID-19 Protocols

The M200 Fellowship will follow all pandemic protocols required by our host venue, and adhere to local and federal public health guidelines.

If there are any participants who cannot meet pandemic public health requirements due to medical or religious reasons, participating virtually for in-person training rounds may be an option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do alums think of the program? Check out our FAQ Webinar!

On Wednesday, March 16, 2023, at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern Maynard 200 Program Director, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley and alumni guest speakers held a webinar discussion exploring the frequently asked questions about the fellowship program.

The webinar provided a program overview plus alumni advice on how to submit a successful application and get the most out of the fellowship. Watch the Zoom recording (using passcode: x%EJ179d).

Who is eligible to apply?

We are inviting storytellers/reporters/writers interested in expanding their investigative reporting skills; newsroom leaders interested in ascending to C-suite roles; media entrepreneurs and product developers with a venture already in operation or with an initial business plan drafted; and starting editors/ new or mid-level managers seeking hands-on editing and effective management skills.

Applicants living outside the United States must be affiliated with or contributing content to a U.S.- based media outlet or organization.

Maynard Institute programs are open to all. We are committed to addressing the under-representation of people of color and other historically disadvantaged groups in media-related professions, and so we make special efforts to recruit individuals from these groups for our programs.

Note: A Google account is required to apply. This allows applicants to autosave draft applications, upload files and automatically receive an emailed copy of their final submission.

Can an applicant choose more than one track?

No. However, the Maynard 200 executive committee including the track executives-in-residence may recommend a track potentially more suited to the applicant, either during or after the interview. We’ll make sure you’re in the track best fit for you!

Do I need prior experience in the track to apply?

Not necessarily. Applicants who do not have prior experience in their chosen track are eligible if they meet the baseline journalism experience required and specific requirements for each corresponding track. For the Executive Leaders track, successful candidates are required to have a proven track record of management and leadership roles with increasing responsibility.

What are the curriculum tracks of Maynard 200?

Curriculum tracks are areas of emphasis for training. Participants must choose one track group that they believe best fits their current work experience and the growth they seek in their field. Fellows of each track will attend sessions designed to help them succeed in that area of focus.

The plenary sessions are relevant to all four tracks and will be attended by the entire cohort. Some example topics include developing product strategies for journalism, building resilience, navigating imposter syndrome, and assessing strengths, as well as key concepts from the Maynard Institute’s patented diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) framework Fault Lines®.

Track descriptions:

• The Investigative Storytellers track is focused on frameworks to hone investigative reporting skills. It will explore the anatomy of an investigative project, how to hold an accountability interview, find information, analyze data and file effective requests for documents, as well as other investigative techniques. This curriculum will also prepare you for the logistics involved in mounting a major investigative project and step back and conduct sessions that reconnect you with your inner storyteller. Applicants in this track are required to have at least 5 years journalism experience in general. Prior experience in investigative reporting is not required, but sharpening this skill should be a main part of the applicant’s goals. Aaron Glantz, Peabody award-winning journalist and former Senior Investigations Editor for The California Newsrooms is the track executive-in-residence.
• The Executive Leaders track is designed for high-level managers who are poised to ascend to the top-most levels of leadership within an organization. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of management and leadership roles with increasing responsibility. The track will provide media and newsroom leaders with in-depth assessments of their leadership and management style, and offer strategies for boosting their leadership skills and advancing their functional acumen. The curriculum will focus on leadership competencies, organizational direction, financial oversight, human capital strategies and governance issues. Virgil Smith, Principal at Smith Edwards Group LLC is the track executive-in-residence.
• The Frontline Editors and Managers track will provide training for new editors, including assigning editors both print and online; for assignment editors and executive producers in broadcast who supervise either in-house reporters, writers, and producers or freelancers or both. It is also geared for mid-level managers who may or may not have direct reports, but hold strategic leadership or communications roles in their newsrooms or media organizations. We will tackle the following topics or similar themes: success in management; resilient leadership; building strong teams; difficult conversations; effective transition strategies for new editors and managers; hands-on editing workshops including effective coaching and critiques. Applicants in this track are required to have 1-5 years of experience in a manager and/or editor role. John X. Miller, Senior Editor Sports, Business, Features at The Dallas Morning News is the track executive-in-residence.
• The Media Entrepreneurs & Product Developers track will provide training for individuals on how to build sustainable media-related businesses, by being able to think more critically and creatively. We’ll be focusing on the following themes: building a business plan, effective pitching to stakeholders, prototyping a product, raising funds, building a team and pivoting as needed. We are seeking candidates who either operate their own independent entrepreneurial venture or have new product development responsibilities in established media organizations. These candidates, at minimum, should have developed a preliminary business plan for their new product concept. Dickson Louie, media entrepreneur and Principal at Louie & Associates is the track executive-in-residence.

Can media professionals based outside the United States apply?

Yes, however, applicants living outside the United States need to be affiliated with or contributing content to a U.S.- based media outlet or organization.

How does one apply?

Note: A Google account is required to apply. This allows applicants to autosave draft applications, upload files and automatically receive an emailed copy of their final submission.

Candidates must submit their application by 11:59 PM PDT on MARCH 31, 2023. A completed online application includes:

• Current Resume
• 750-1,000 word essay response to track-specific question prompts
• 500 word narrative bio
• Work samples and/or relevant materials
• Two reference letters with contact information

The application form allows applicants to upload reference letters. Each recommendation letter should be 500 words or less and include the references name, role, and their preferred method of contact information (email and/or phone). At least one of the references provided should be a current or previous supervisor, or someone familiar with the applicant’s work.

To assist you in the application process, this editable document is provided as a time-saving tool for drafting your application answers. You will need to make a copy of this Google Doc for drafting answers, then copy and paste those answers into the online Google Form application. IMPORTANT: all applicants must submit their application using the online Google Form application. Other document formats will not be considered.

What is the time commitment for and required program components to graduate from the program?

Fellows are required to attend two training weeks (approximately 4 days each) in-person at the TCU campus in June and virtually via Zoom in October.

There are also 3 to 5 additional 1-hour webinars between August to October that provide additional curriculum enrichment, alongside track-specific follow-up readings and/or assignments. Fellows may also benefit from one-on-one “office hours” and coaching sessions via Zoom with track executives-in-residence or faculty members.

Then, fellows also commit to participate fully in the one-to-one mentorship that kicks off at the October session and continues for a full year. Successful fellows meet with their assigned mentors at least once per month for conversational consults as schedules permit.

Additional Curriculum Track Requirements

Each curriculum track has customized training and project assignments. All tracks require engaged, interactive and cooperative participants, eager to collaborate with colleagues, instructors and coaches during workshops.

Some projects are specific to only one curriculum track, while other projects involve cross-functional collaboration of multiple tracks as outlined below.

The Executive Leaders track requires participation in a 360° assessment. This is regardless of whether a candidate recently took part in a similar assessment. The Maynard Institute will cover the cost of this assessment.

Fellows in the Media Entrepreneurs and Product Developers track are required to draft, develop, finalize and pitch their ideas to a small panel of judges. This process involves coaching sessions, office hours, and assignments. Pitch judges will select 2 fellows for cash awards. Read about the award-winning Maynard 200 fellows of 2022 who were recognized for their outstanding media venture pitches. The two $1,000 awards began in 2021 and are funded by the Maynard Institute and donations from media strategist and executive-in-residence, Dickson Louie.

Business Case Study Challenge

Three tracks — Executive Leaders, Editors and Managers, and Media Entrepreneurs and Product Developers — will participate in a business case study challenge. Participants will be briefed on challenges facing a real, present-day media organization.

Work on this project will be done in teams and will focus on market research and the development of proposed solutions. Teams will work together to create a presentation to share with the news organization’s leadership at the October Maynard 200 gathering.

The work will be done in the months between the spring and fall meetings of Maynard 200. Participants should expect to devote 2-4 hours per week, over an eight-week period, to research and team discussion.

As part of these projects, fellows may be given access to proprietary newsroom data which will require participating fellows to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Visit our blog for a recap of the Class of 2022 case study project and presentation presented to the leadership at the Los Angeles Times coming soon.

Do fellows need to pay for tuition?

No, Maynard 200 continues to be tuition-free through the support of our funders.

In addition to tuition-free training, the hotel accommodations for fellows are covered by the program for the in-person training week. Fellows will also be individually reimbursed up to $500 for their airfare and ground transportation.

For fellows based outside of the United States, travel allocations will also be capped. However, we will make every effort to minimize costs for international fellows.

Applicants who have a financial hardship that would prevent them from participating in this program may cite their reasons for seeking additional financial aid as part of their application essay. For more information, reach out to: Maynard 200 Director, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley at okeeley@mije.org.

Where will the in-person training be held?

For the 2023 program we are excited to partner with Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Note: the format of the training weeks may shift to a virtual program due to COVID-19 developments and public health protocols, specifically if a pandemic variant surge occurs.

What are the COVID-19 safety protocols for the in-person training sessions?

To ensure the health and safety of all Maynard 200 participants, the Maynard Institute will maintain a high standard of precautions.

The Maynard 200 Fellowship will follow all pandemic protocols required by our host venue, and adhere to local and federal public health guidelines.

If there are any participants who cannot meet pandemic public health requirements due to medical or religious reasons, participating virtually for in-person training rounds may be an option.

Does the program offer an all-virtual option?

No. Maynard 200 shifted back to in-person convenings in 2022. If a training week is held in person, a full online program will not be offered. However, the Maynard Institute will follow all COVID-19 safety protocols of the host venue as well as federal and local public health guidelines. A training round may shift to a virtual format if required due to pandemic variant surges.

In the rare case for selected fellows who have a medical or religious exemption, or may have a sudden extenuating emergency situation that prevents them from attending in person, a limited virtual offering of key parts of the program will be available, but the experience would not be ideal.

What is the mentorship process?

The year-long 1:1 mentorship phase of the fellowship will match fellows with a relevant industry expert, many of whom are Maynard Institute alumni. Fellows are matched with mentors on the last day of the second training round in October. Fellows will meet or consult with their mentors at least once a month. Mentors will provide valuable guidance, coaching and expertise throughout the 12-month period.

Through the years, the mentorship phase has proven to be a key contributor to the advancement of fellows in their positions or entrepreneurial ventures. Many Maynard 200 graduates have either been promoted to C-suite positions, hired in new roles or secured grants/funds for their media start-ups, through the expertise and connections provided by their mentors, aside from the overall Maynard 200 curriculum and allyship of their fellow cohort members and the Maynard Family.

When will I hear back about my submitted application?

Screening begins after the application deadline through April. Interviews with finalists are slated for mid-to-late-April with final selection and announcement of the cohort selection in May.

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Questions?