The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, with support from Microsoft, is launching the AI Journalism Lab: Leadership and the AI Journalism Lab: Adoption for experienced journalists to explore journalistic possibilities for generative AI and help shape the conversation around this emerging technology. Applications for both hybrid, tuition-free labs are now open until October 18.
“We hear the word ‘scary’ used a lot in connection with AI, which is not very helpful. We created the labs to empower journalists not to be afraid of this new technology but to experiment with it, apply it to their news careers and become part of the conversation,” said Marie Gilot, Executive Director of J+, the professional development arm of the Newmark J-School.
The new labs follow a first pilot of the AI Journalism Lab which concludes in early October with capstone projects by 25 journalists.
“The overwhelming response to the AI Journalism Lab demonstrated to us the incredible demand for AI training for journalists to grow audiences, streamline time-consuming tasks in the newsroom, build sustainable business operations, and perform the essential function of informing the world,” Noreen Gillespie, Journalism Director at Microsoft’s Democracy Forward, said. Microsoft is providing financial support for the program, as part of a group of initiatives to support journalists and ensure newsrooms of the future can thrive.
Both of the new labs are 3 months long, include a mandatory in-person session in New York followed by online classes, and require the completion of a capstone project guided by coaches. Each lab can accommodate 15-20 journalists. You will need to indicate on your application which one of the following labs you are applying for:
AI J Lab: Leadership
January-April 2025
Focus area: What does newsroom leadership look like in the age of AI?
Goal: Becoming a better leader and manager with the help of AI and making smarter strategic decisions around AI
Participants: Journalists in leadership roles, strategists, executives in editorial, tech and product roles
AI J Lab: Adoption
April-July 2025
Focus area: How can we help newsrooms who are just starting out with AI?
Goal: Helping news organizations to hit the ground running when it comes to AI adoption
Participants: Local journalists, managers and academics
The program is open to candidates in the United States and abroad and we encourage journalists from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply to this inclusive program. Fluency in English is required. Participants must also be able to commit to attending the in-person kick-off session in New York City on January 10 and 11 for the AI J Lab: Leadership and April 4 and 5 for the AI J Lab: Adoption. Flat-rate travel stipends will be available where needed, but participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and for securing any visas/travel documents needed to come to the United States.
To be considered for the program, applicants must submit a completed application with their resume, an idea of an AI challenge to be research or experimented with during the program, thoughtful answers to why they want to participate in the lab, contact information for two references. Selected applicants will be interviewed by the admissions committee before final decision.
Check out our program page for more information. Applications are being accepted until October 18, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the latest updates on training programs, interested individuals are encouraged to register for the mailing list.