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Women's Leadership Accelerator (WLA)

ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Women's Leadership Accelerator (WLA)

Organization: Online News Association (ONA)

Program Type: Yearlong intensive mentorship and leadership development program

Program Overview

The Women's Leadership Accelerator offers a comprehensive yearlong intensive program of mentoring, discussion, and learning led by some of the top minds in digital media. Participants work closely with experienced mentors on challenges unique to their careers while receiving ongoing support and coaching from ONA throughout the year.

    Program Features

  • Duration: One year
  • Format: Intensive mentorship and leadership development
  • Mentorship: Participants work closely with senior mentors in the digital media industry
  • Cohort Model: Accepted as part of a cohort group
  • Support: Ongoing coaching and discussion throughout the year

    Cost

  • Tuition: Completely tuition-free for participants
  • Travel Support: Funders and sponsors support travel costs for participants
  • Guest Speakers/Mentors: Costs covered by program funders and sponsors

    Eligibility

  • Targeted at women and non-gender binary people working in news
  • Career development focus for those seeking leadership advancement
  • (Specific professional requirements not detailed in available content)

    Program Components

  • Mentoring from experienced media leaders
  • Group discussions and learning opportunities
  • Career-focused coaching
  • Networking with cohort members
  • Access to industry expertise

    Geographic Scope

  • Presumed national/international based on ONA's reach

    Timeline

  • 2024 Cohort: Introduced July 17, 2024
  • 2025 Cohort: Introduced August 13, 2025
  • Annual cohort selection

    Contact

  • Online News Association
  • 1111 North Capitol Street Northeast, Second Floor
  • Washington, DC 20002
  • Website: journalists.org

    Related Program

  • Digital Women Leaders (DWL): A separate mentorship resource connecting women and non-gender binary people working in news with knowledgeable mentors

How to Apply

Application Process

Recruitment:

  • ONA announces new cohorts annually

  • Application period typically opens in spring/summer

  • Interested candidates can apply through ONA's website
  • Selection Process:

  • Competitive selection of cohort members

  • Focus on identifying emerging and mid-career women and non-gender binary media leaders
  • How to Apply:

  • Visit journalists.org for current application information

  • Check program page for specific application deadline and requirements
    • Required Materials

    • (Specific application requirements not detailed in available content)
    • Likely includes: resume/CV, statement of interest, career goals, references

      Key Information for Applicants

    • Program is completely tuition-free
    • Travel and speaker costs covered by program funders
    • Yearlong commitment required
    • Opportunity to work with top media leaders and mentors
    • Cohort-based learning model

      Contact

    • Online News Association
    • Website: journalists.org
    • See website for current application portal and specific requirements

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    womenjournalism

    Categories

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