Many Voices Prize

The Elizabeth E. Stone Many Voices Prize was launched in 2022 by Prof. Elizabeth Stone, founding adviser to The Observer from 1981 – 2015.

Criteria:

The “Many Voices” Advisory Board judges, primarily Observer alums, will award prizes based on Prof. Stone’s wish to “nourish strength and excellence in journalism” in which she defines the “best” journalism as being inclusive of “diverse voices.”

Advising The Observer was truly the most gratifying part of my years at Fordham. I got as much as I gave, and maybe more, traveling through time with 35 generations of contributors and editors during years that were often joyful, sometimes sobering, and always meaningful.

Through the years, each generation of editors and staff has left its own byline on an exceptional college publication. Each generation embraced innovation, let go of what no longer served, and deepened the parts of its culture and traditions that anchored it and provided for its continuity. Each of these impulses has contributed to its strength and excellence.

My intention with this prize, which is to be awarded annually as long as The Observer exists, is to nourish that strength and excellence. Journalism is at its best in when it is most inclusive of diverse voices, and so this prize will go to students who are first in their family to attend college or who belong to other groups historically underrepresented in higher education, and who have contributed a minimum of three non-fiction articles or equivalent creative work to The Observer.

My two hopes are these: first, that this annual prize will bring to The Observer new and underrepresented voices—that of students who in their work will share perspectives, interests and concerns that otherwise might go unshared. My second hope is that fund-raising and alumni contributions will be added to the gift, allowing for larger and/or additional prizes in the years to come.

Therefore “This prize will go to students who are first in their family to attend college or who belong to other groups historically underrepresented in higher education.” STUDENTS MUST have contributed a minimum of three-non-fiction articles or equivalent work to The Observer. Her primary hope is that “This annual prize will bring to The Observer new and underrepresented voices—that of students who in their work will share perspectives, interests and concerns that otherwise might go unshared.”

Prof. Stone expressed interest in submissions in prose, photography, multimedia, podcast and other platforms which have not emerged. She welcomes reportage in any realm (news, arts, sports, health), opinion pieces, and think pieces, including those which may use first-person to exemplify knowledge and/or argument in reference to larger topical and timely issues.

Number of Awards:

One $1500 prize or up to three $500 prizes to be granted in 2024. Award amounts may increase in the future.

Eligibility:

First Gen or historically underrepresented groups including but not limited to Black, Latinx, Asian or Pacific Islander, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+
Applicants must be current undergraduate students at Fordham University.
Applicants are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress during the application period and during the academic year in which the prize is awarded.
Applicants must complete and submit the application by April 19, 2024

How to Apply:

Content Submissions:

Applicants must submit proof of submission of three nonfiction articles, essays, or multimedia/digital packages.

At least one submission should be informed by or reflect what qualifies them to apply for the Many Voices Prize. That submission should be accompanied by an explanatory blurb of not more than 2-3 sentences.

Content submissions must be made online at the Many Voices webpage.

Personal Statement:

Applicants must submit a brief personal statement (1 to 2 pages, double-spaced) explaining what qualifies them to apply for the Many Voices Prize and any other information that is pertinent or relevant and explains their involvement with journalism.

The personal statement must be submitted online at the Many Voices webpage by April 19, 2024.

Prize Announcement:

Prize winners will be selected and notified in April 2024. Prize winners will be published online on the Many Voices webpage.