Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA)

A Partnership between Ocean Nexus and Metcalf Institute

Program Overview:

The Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA) is a fellowship program for journalists created by Ocean Nexus and Metcalf Institute, in collaboration with the Uproot Project. This exciting partnership seeks to advance transformative changes at the intersection of ocean governance, social justice, and equity. Participating journalists, working closely with Ocean Nexus scientists, aim to deepen their understanding of how our relationship with the ocean is intertwined with systemic inequities, particularly within historically marginalized communities, across the globe. As a part of the fellowship, fellows produce resource guides that will help other journalists understand the topics they covered and help expand the body of knowledge about ocean equity

Ocean Nexus, an initiative committed to ocean equity, works to uncover and address the consequences of inequitable ocean governance, holding powerful interests accountable for systemic harms. Metcalf Institute, with its focus on science communication, support fellows in refining their ability to effectively convey research to diverse audiences, from policymakers to the public. The Uproot Project is open to journalists of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds who share its goal of uplifting and supporting journalists of color, who have been underrepresented in the journalism industry for far too long

The 2026 MONA workshop will be conducted in person at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. on May 4-6, 2026 with a prior virtual matching session with Ocean Nexus scientists.

Fellowship Goals:

  • Research Intersectionality and Ocean Governance: Fellows will deeply investigate Ocean Nexus research to understand how ocean policies and practices intersect with social, environmental, and economic inequities.
  • Center Marginalized Voices and Perspectives: Fellows will explore how different communities, particularly those historically excluded from decision-making—experience and engage with ocean issues, ensuring these voices are integrated into global conversations.
  • Strengthen Public and Policy Dialogue: Fellows will play an essential role in bridging the gap between ocean research and the public, using their communication skills to bring attention to critical issues surrounding ocean equity and justice.

Eligibility

  • The MONA fellowship is designed for US based, mid-career journalists from diverse backgrounds.
  •  Applicants must be a member of the Uproot Project or one of its collaborating partners (Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association, Asian American Journalists Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, Indigenous Journalists Association, Military Veterans in Journalism, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, South Asian Journalists Association, Trans Journalists Association)
  • Applicants must have 5-15 years covering climate or environmental topics
  • Freelance journalists are welcome to apply but must have a commitment from a news organization to publish the work produced through the fellowship.
  • Applicants should have a passion for advancing ocean sustainability through science, policy, and community-centered approaches.

Fellowship Duration and Compensation:

  • The fellowship will be for 3 months (May-July, 2026)
  • Fellows must attend the two-day workshop and monthly meetings with the Ocean Nexus and Metcalf Institute teams from May to July.
  • Fellows will receive a $5000 stipend and travel, lodging and meals to the two-day workshop.
  • For travel on reporting project following the in-person workshop, Fellows must pay all travel expenses up front and will receive travel reimbursement of $5,000 upon completion of the fellowship.

Application Process

Applications are submitted via Asana Forms, which will not save your work as you write. Applicants are strongly encouraged to view the application and create answers separately to complete the application in a single online session. Interested applicants will be asked to submit the following materials along with their application:

  • A letter of support from either your editor or from a news organization that you work with regularly.
  • A resume or CV (in PDF format).
  • A writing sample (3 max)
  • A statement of interest (500 word max) detailing commitment to ocean equity and justice, and how their work aligns with the goals of the fellowship.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

For more information please visit Ocean Nexus or Metcalf Institute websites.

APPLICATION