ONA is excited to announce the 2024 cohort of the HBCU Digital Media Fellowship. Six students—selected from a highly competitive pool of over 100 applicants representing more than 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities—will travel to Atlanta for training and mentorship during the 2024 Online News Association Conference (ONA24), Sept. 18-21.
The fellowship empowers HBCU students to not just witness the future of journalism but to shape it.
Special thanks to our ONA24 sponsors.
Fellows will work with lead mentor Michael Grant, founder of Get Current Studio, to create a digital project during the conference and learn about emerging tech for online news. They will also have opportunities to network with the leading innovators in journalism and tech while in Atlanta, and receive a complimentary one-year membership to ONA to stay connected with the community beyond ONA24.
Beyond exploring emerging trends, we equip students with the core principles of product thinking—a skill set that’s revolutionizing how newsrooms connect with audiences and thrive. Imagine crafting a product that sparks conversations, drives engagement and fuels newsroom sustainability. That’s the potential we unlock in our fellows. Through dynamic individual and group exercises, we demystify the hallmarks of a great product, diving into innovative thinking methods, tools and industry best practices.
Fellows will leave the program energized to explore the world of product development and various specialties, armed with the knowledge and confidence to develop and refine products that resonate with audiences and drive real-world impact. To complement their education, we curate a list of product-focused sessions where they may engage and learn from influential figures at the cutting edge of news innovation.
Get to know each of the 2024 HBCU Digital Media fellows.
Asia Alexander, Journalism Major, Howard University — Asia is a Junior at Howard University, studying journalism with a minor in political science.
Alyssa Cooper, Broadcast Journalism Major, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — Alyssa is a senior from Tallahassee studying broadcast journalism at Florida A&M University.
Kylar Gray, English Major, Spelman College — Kylar is a senior at Spelman College, majoring in English with a focus on Digital Media.
Mikekel Robinson, M.A. Professional Communication & Digital Media, Texas Southern University — Mikekel graduated from Texas Southern University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and is now pursuing an M.A. in Professional Communication and Digital Media.
Sydney Rencher, a Professional Communication and Digital Media Major at Texas Southern University — Sydney, graduated from Florida A&M University in the spring of 2024 with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism. She is now pursuing her degree in Professional Communication and Digital Media at Texas Southern University
Zora Thomas, Mass Communication Major, Xavier University of Louisiana — Zora is a junior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, majoring in mass communication at Xavier University of Louisiana.
ONA’s annual conference is the premier platform to learn and contribute to shaping the future of digital journalism. Join us in Atlanta to connect with the 2024 HBCU fellows and other emerging talent in journalism.
To explore ways to support ONA’s fellowship programs and other career development opportunities for journalists, contact Head of Strategic Partnerships Hanaa Rifaey at hanaa@journalists.org.
