Tribal Water Media Fellowship | Four Corners Water Center

Learn more about the TWMF

The Tribal Water Media Fellowship, launched in 2021, aims to diversify the voices and professionals communicating about water issues, with a special focus on Indigenous communities and water topics. As water challenges reach critical levels in the Southwestern United States and the Colorado River Basin, including diverse voices in decision-making leads to better outcomes and more resilient solutions. The program expands beyond the Southwest, by convening future water leaders and sharing stories across North America and across the globe, empowering voices on water and Indigenous issues.

This program equips students with:

1. Knowledge of Indigenous tribes and water issues,
2. Skills in audio, visual, and print media techniques, and
3. A professional network to help tell and publish stories on critical Tribal water topics.

Program structure: Summer Intensive and mentorship

The fellowship has two integrated parts. First, a cohort of fellows participates in the Summer Intensive training program, a two-week session held in May in the Four Corners region. Here, students learn from media and water experts and engage with water issues important to Indigenous communities.

Then, students take part in a six-month mentoring program, where they produce an independent media project on a story of their choice. These projects are showcased at the fall Four Corners Showcase and shared through key media outlets.

Skills development and long-term impact

While student fellows often create their first media projects during the fellowship, they gain the skills to continue producing and sharing impactful stories beyond the program. The fellowship connects students with a professional network that supports their media work throughout their college career and beyond, aligning with their professional goals.

Support and funding opportunities

The program is funded by the Walton Family Foundation, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Southwestern Water Conservation District, the Colorado Plateau Foundation, SWCA, and others. If you or your organization would like to support the Tribal Water Media Fellowship, consider making a donation to the Four Corners Water Center!

Donate to the Four Corners Water Center

How to Participate in the Tribal Water Media Fellowship

The Tribal Water Media Fellowship currently accepts applications every winter from current and recent college students from any United States institution of higher education. Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds—including journalism, media, science, and cultural studies—are encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need to be Indigenous to apply. 

COMING SOON: We are expecting to launch a professional fellowship program in future years to equip water professionals and journalists with stories and skills related to media and Tribal water topics. Stay tuned to learn about this program when it launches!

Program Structure: Summer Intensive and Independent Project

The fellowship consists of two main parts, both accessible to accepted applicants:

1. 15-Day Summer Intensive: Held in May at Fort Lewis College, this program provides on-campus room and board for students. During the Intensive, fellows participate in a multi-day, overnight river trip on a Southwest river with water and media experts. Additionally, fellows attend workshops and field trips in and around Durango, focusing on media production, cultural studies, and research on water issues, particularly those impacting Tribal communities.

2. Independent Showcase Project: During the summer and fall following the Intensive, Fellows conceive, research, and produce a media project centered on water. The program pairs fellows with mentors specializing in various media formats (video, print, audio) and provides financial support. The fellowship culminates in a fall symposium at Fort Lewis College, where fellows present their projects publicly and share their work through local and regional media outlets.

Financial Support and Benefits

Accepted fellows receive a $1,000 stipend, split into two payments: $500 for the Summer Intensive and $500 for the fall showcase project. Fellows also gain access to equipment and receive additional financial support for supplies and travel necessary to complete their independent projects.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Tribal Water Media Fellowship

What are the terms and conditions for receiving the stipend?

Students will receive $500 upon completion of the entire Summer Intensive and $500 upon presentation of their media project at the fall symposium.

Do I have to be an FLC student to apply?

No, students from any college or university in the United States will be considered. Recent graduates (within one year of completing their Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree) are also eligible to apply.

What will the Summer Intensive entail?

During the Summer Intensive, students will work with mentors and experts in the fields of media and water to learn how to approach a media project centering on water issues and desert communities.

I’m already working on a media project in my community, focused on a water issue outside the Four Corners area. Can I apply to the fellowship and use this time to receive support for the project I’m already working on?

You do not need to start a new project for the fellowship, and you do not need to focus your project on the Southwest if you’d like to put your focus elsewhere. Let us know what you’re working on and what you're interested in, and we will help your project come to fruition.

Do I have to be a journalism student to apply?

No, the program is open to students from all disciplines and backgrounds who have an interest in water, Tribal topics, and media.

I don’t have any media experience. Do I have a chance of being accepted for the fellowship?

You do not need to have media experience in order to apply. Let us know about your studies and your interests. This can be an opportunity for you to learn media skills and apply them to future careers and passions. Equipment will be available for you to use during the fellowship.

For the rafting portion of the intensive, what if I don’t have any experience in whitewater rafting? Do I need to bring my own gear?

It isn’t necessary to have experience in whitewater rafting in order to have a good time on this trip. The TWMF river trips are beginner-friendly and a great way to be introduced to rafting. If you don’t have a dry bag, waterproof clothing, or camping gear, we will help you prepare for this trip.