Spark is pleased to announce the launch of its fellowship program! Application Deadline: September 17, 2012.

Fellowships support emerging researchers, technologists, writers, educators, and others to explore faculties of learning at the intersection of digital media learning (DML) and do it yourself (DIY). Spark fellows will be given the chance to enhance their skills, build the creative education field, and benefit the local community by focusing their expertise on Pittsburgh-centric learning challenges.

In 2012-2013, up to two fellows will be chosen to receive $15,000 ($10,000 stipend and $5,000 of project support) to research, write, and execute a research project that focuses on remixing youth participation in civic dialogue. Scholars and practitioners focused on fostering participatory youth engagement are encouraged to consider how DML and DIY technologies are transforming the ways in which youth learn, participate in, and advance relevant societal issues.

Spark fellows will work in concert with Spark staff and members of the Kids+Creativity Network. Applicants should consider the following criteria:

• Spark encourages applications from individuals working in diverse fields: learning researchers, educators, designers, media producers, technologists, and others.
• Proposals from regional applicants, those from Western PA, WV, and Eastern OH universities and colleges are encouraged.
• Applicants should demonstrate an appropriate level of educational attainment, e.g. current master’s or doctoral level work, requisite experience.
• Applicants should be interested in researching the impact that learning networks, DML tools, and DIY technologies can have on education and youth participation.

In addition to meeting the criteria, applicants should provide Spark with concepts for potential research projects, and ready themselves for a possible phone or Skype interview. All applicants will be made aware of their status prior to the public announcement of the awarded fellowship(s).

Applicants will be accepted until the deadline of September 17, 2012. To download an application, click here.

Have questions? Please contact Dustin Stiver at dustin@sproutfund.org or 412-325-0646.