The CNN Academy Training Program 2025 is now open for applications, offering fully funded, hands-on training for aspiring storytellers from the Global South. This opportunity is designed for early-career journalists, content creators, and storytellers who are passionate about using media to drive change in their communities and beyond.
Participants will gain valuable skills in mobile journalism and storytelling, both through virtual and in-person learning modules, with training facilitated by CNN Academy’s expert instructors in Abu Dhabi. No IELTS is required for this program.
Program Summary
- Host: CNN Academy, Abu Dhabi
- Category: Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Training | Certification | Networking
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: June 23, 2025
Program Details
The CNN Academy Training Program 2025 is aimed at empowering young storytellers from developing countries across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The program provides participants with the skills, tools, and support needed to tell impactful stories that address key global issues. From vaccine equity to humanitarian crises and the resilience of frontline workers, this training emphasizes in-depth reporting, context, and meaningful storytelling.
The training begins with an online phase through the CNN Academy Hub (from July to October 1st, 2025), where participants will take a series of virtual courses tailored to elevate their reporting skills. The program then culminates in a fully funded in-person session in Abu Dhabi in November 2025.
This second phase includes immersive, hands-on training in mobile journalism and a dynamic simulation focused on global health reporting. Participants will practice and refine their skills under pressure, simulating a real-world newsroom environment. Upon completing the simulation, they will return to their home countries to produce and submit a final story by January 31, 2026, with a chance to have their work featured on CNN platforms.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CNN Academy Training Program 2025, applicants must:
- Reside and work in a Global South country (Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean)
- Be a content creator, journalist, or storyteller in the early stages of their career
- Have a portfolio of relevant work
- Possess strong communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English
- Be committed to fully participating in all phases of the program and applying the skills gained
- Be willing and able to travel to Abu Dhabi in November 2025 for the simulation
Program Structure
- Phase One: Virtual Training (July – October 1st, 2025)
Conducted online via the CNN Academy Hub, this phase includes storytelling courses focusing on global issues impacting the Global South. - Phase Two: In-Person Training & Simulation (November 2025, Abu Dhabi)
This phase features on-site training in mobile journalism and participation in the CNN Academy Simulation, centered on global health reporting.
Note:
After completing both phases, participants will return to their home country and produce a story using their newly acquired skills. The story must be submitted by January 31, 2026, and selected pieces may be featured on CNN’s digital and broadcast platforms.
How to Apply
To apply for the CNN Academy Training Program:
- Click the button below to access the program webpage
- Submit a brief application for Phase One, verifying your background and suitability for the course
- If selected for Phase Two, you must submit:
- Samples of previous work
- Proof of origin from a Global South country
- After completing the virtual courses, you will upload a story pitch related to a global issue in the Global South
To begin your application, click HERE
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To join the EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
