Apply to be a Planet Forward Correspondent

Planet Forward Correspondents are talented students from across the country looking to apply themselves to tell the ongoing story of climate change, with an eye toward solutions and hope.

Apply to be a Planet Forward Correspondent

Overview

Are you interested in environmental journalism that can move the planet forward? 
Are you a great storyteller, or want to become one?
Are you motivated by science, the environment or journalism?

JOIN A SELECT TEAM OF TALENTED STUDENTS as a Planet Forward Correspondent. 

Correspondents, each working from their campus, agree to contribute a minimum of four stories during the school year, at least one of which must be entered in the annual Planet Forward Storyfest competition (and is eligible for awards). As we share your stories on our social networks, we would expect you to do the same. Plan to regularly stay in touch with Planet Forward staff through individual calls/email contact, and participate in regular virtual editorial meetings with the Correspondent editor. Support each other and celebrate your team members’ work.

As a Correspondent you will have:
    • Your stories featured on PlanetForward.org
    • A travel grant to the spring 2024 Planet Forward Summit at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
    • VIP access at Planet Forward Summit and other events
    • A private Correspondent lunch with former CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Planet Forward founder Frank Sesno
    • Access to storytelling workshops, leadership opportunities, and mentorship from Planet Forward’s experienced media team

Your selection will depend on the quality of your work samples submitted, and a brief interview. 

*** DEADLINE: MONDAY, MAY 22ND ***

2023-24 Correspondent Application Form

Name(Required)
If you are selected we will reach out to you for a phone or a Zoom interview. Your phone information will not be used for any other purpose.
Your preferred method of contact(Required)
If you don’t have one and would like to set one up, click “Log In” on planetforward.org
Your letter should give us a better idea about your life and your goals after graduating and should be written conversationally. We recommend Dropbox to share your essay, or provide a link.
Dropbox is preferred if your work is not hosted online. Preferred work samples include personal essays, college newspaper articles or video news reports, short documentaries, podcasts, blog posts, video selfies, etc. (Please, no academic papers.)
Are there any storytelling mediums that you are interested in practicing and learning more about through your role as a correspondent?(Required)
This can be a professor, your adviser, your school’s director of sustainability or other person affiliated with your university. If you do not have one, please let us know below.
Please provide their phone number and/or email address, or enter n/a if you do not have a sponsor.