$2,500 Rooted & Rising Youth Media Prize

A storytelling fellowship for young people ages 18–24 based in the U.S. Selected fellows will document rural education, innovation, and community connection through monthly video and written reflections. The program highlights how relationships, trust, and community care help young people succeed in rural contexts.

Benefits include:

• Coaching, light editing help, and technical assistance
• Publication of stories through Rooted & Rising platforms
• Recognition and visibility as youth journalists
• Prizes available to support participation and honor creativity and lived experience
• Invitation to a virtual intergenerational dialogue and webinar in Fall 2026

A select number of applicants will be eligible to receive prizes of up to $2,500 to support their participation and recognize the time, creativity, and lived experience they bring to this work.

• Age 18–24
• Based in the U.S.
• Commitment to submit 4 vlog‑style videos (2–5 minutes each) and 4 written reflections (750–1,000 words each) between March–June 2026
• Interest in rural education, innovation, and community connection
• Willingness to participate in Fall 2026 virtual dialogue
• In college or university
• Just graduated
• Looking for my next step