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“I learned that our differences connect us more than our similarities. It is important to realize that differences are inevitable; we must accept then and refuse to change them, they make the world a diverse place that is accessible for all.”

– 2018 Chuck Stone Scholar

Professor Chuck Stone retired from UNC-Chapel Hill on June 30, 2005, after 14 years as the Walter Spearman Professor in the School of Media and Journalism. Before arriving at UNC-Chapel Hill, Professor Stone had a well-established record of promoting diversity wherever he worked, be it in Congress, in the media or in academia.

The Chuck Stone Program, sponsored by the UNC-Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media, the Capitol Broadcasting Company, Gannett Foundation and FOX Sports, is seeking applications from high school students who will be seniors in the 2025-2026 school year and who have expressed a career interest in journalism. The program aims to attract students of varying diversity, including but not limited to religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender. The program includes classroom study, real-world interviewing and reporting, newsroom practice, and professional development. The workshop will consist of multi-platform storytelling and writing. Twelve participants will be chosen.

The 2025 Chuck Stone Summer Program will be held in person on campus at UNC-Chapel Hill on June 22-25. The application process is officially open and will close on Friday, March 21, 2025.

The application consists of the application form below plus:

  • A letter of recommendation from a high school journalism adviser or guidance counselor emailed to chuckstoneprogram@unc.edu
  • Essay (submitted online)
  • High school transcript also emailed to chuckstoneprogram@unc.edu

The program will pay for the following:

  • Travel fees (flights and airport transportation for out-of-state students)
  • Housing – all students will be housed on UNC’s campus
  • All meals

Questions? Call 919-389-3486 or email chuckstoneprogram@unc.edu or lfreeman@email.unc.edu.

Upon admission to the program, please notify directors of any accommodation or dietary needs when submitting completed registration forms.

Essay

Attach an essay discussing how your diversity — your religious affiliation, your socio-economic status, your ethnicity or whatever factors you select — contributes to your community’s diversity. (Limit: 500 words)

Chuck Stone Program

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