Thirteen bursaries awarded in first JDF round of 2020

Thirteen bursaries have been awarded in the first Journalism Diversity Fund round of 2020, which marks the 15th anniversary of the fund.

These aspiring journalists were awarded funding to begin their journalism training at NCTJ-accredited courses in the 2020-21 academic year, and bursaries can help fund their course fees and/or living expenses.

Twenty shortlisted candidates were interviewed remotely on Friday, 24 April. The interview panels included senior managers and editors from the NCTJ, Financial Times, Mark Allen Group, Reach plc, Sky News, Sky Sports News, Wall Street Journal.

Bursaries were awarded to:

• Omar Baig-Garrick – Cardiff University
• Rebecca Cooley – News Associates Manchester
• Olive Enokido-Lineham – News Associates London
• Ahisha Ghafoor – News Associates Manchester
• Ruby Gregory – News Associates London
• Neha Gohil – News Associates London
• Kat Hoare – Sutton College
• Courtney McLaven-Whittle – Nottingham Trent University
• Jessica Morris – University of Sheffield
• Jason Murugesu – PA Training
• Georgina Quach – News Associates London
• Reiss Tigwell – News Associates London
• Emily Withers – Cardiff University

At their interviews, the candidates were questioned on their passion for journalism, financial need and diversity.

The fund was set up in 2005 with a donation of £100,000 from NLA media access, with the aim of encouraging more diverse people to train as journalists and making newsrooms better reflect the communities they serve.

Thanks to the financial support of the industry, we have now awarded 360 bursaries since 2005.

Applications are now open for the second round of 2020, until Wednesday, 24 June.

For further information, please contact journalismdiversityfund@nctj.com.