Digital Native

digital natives

Digital Natives brings UGA journalism students with digital news expertise into newsrooms for one week to help local journalists accomplish specific digital goals.

About

The Georgia Press Education Foundation has joined forces with the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, thanks to a generous gift from Richard T. and Debbie H. Griffiths, for an innovative program that connects college students and Georgia news organizations. Digital Natives brings UGA journalism students with digital news expertise into newsrooms for one week to help local journalists accomplish specific digital goals.

The digital transition continues to be challenging for community journalism for reasons ranging from funding to time to expertise. Digital Natives will help bridge this gap by allowing digitally savvy journalism majors to assist with a variety of digital tasks like optimizing social media, creating digital content on various platforms, and experimenting with new technologies, as well as audience engagement, help with disinformation, and Trusting News concepts. Students will also benefit from learning from these organizations by spending a week in a working newsroom environment.

News organizations of any type can apply — newspaper, TV, radio, or digital — and will be chosen through an application process. Digital Natives will provide a $1,000 stipend for up to 15 Grady College students to spend a week at local news sites; food, travel and lodging will also be covered. All other expenses, if any, connected to these assignments will be paid by the local news partner.

“Through the Digital Natives program, these college students will bring their skills into our community newspapers to help advance the paper’s presence in the ever changing digital world,” GPA Executive Director Robin Rhodes said. “GPA is grateful for Dean Davis bringing forth this amazing program to our members.” 

The director of Digital Natives, Dr. Amanda Bright, is also a faculty member at Grady College and will train the students before they start their week within newsrooms. 

“This program is mutually beneficial for students and local newsrooms,” Bright said. “Whether it’s starting an email newsletter, diving into Facebook groups, telling stories through web-based interactives or creating a codified social media strategy, news organizations will tangibly benefit, while our students will gain hands-on newsroom knowledge and experience from those doing the important work of journalism each day.”

Digital Natives is part of the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership portfolio of programs.

Contact Us

Questions about Digital Natives?

Dr. Amanda Bright, Digital Natives Director
amanda.bright@uga.edu

Additional Information

Explore the UGA Promotion and Tenure documents for UGA and Grady College.

Events

NMI SLAM

Hosted every semester, SLAM features New Media Certificate Capstone creations. Everyone is invited to this day dedicated to student projects that takes innovation and creativity to the next level.This semester, the NMI is doing things a bit differently. Faculty and students will head to Atlanta for the day. Once there, they’ll kick off SLAM with networking and snacks, followed by the student showcase. After presentations, the NMI will share student certificates and awards, and then cap off the evening with Xpo Encore—an opportunity to celebrate the students’ impressive achievements over delectable hors d’oeuvres, refreshing drinks and wonderful company. RSVP: https://www.linkedin.com/events/slam7117171008259670017/

Fall 2023 Grady Graduation Celebration

Graduates and their guests are invited to celebrate with other graduates and faculty/staff at this drop-in celebration. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, opportunities to connect with fellow parents, faculty and staff, plenty of photo opportunities and an inside look at your student’s academic home. Tickets are not required for the celebration at Grady.

Students hug after convocation.

Fall 2023 Convocation

Congratulations to our fall 2023 graduates! Convocation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. at Hodgson Hall. More details will be released closer to the date.

Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Friday, December 15, 2023 Undergraduate: 10:00 a.m., Stegeman Coliseum Graduate: 2:00 p.m., Stegeman Coliseum

Grady College Applications Deadline

Grady College’s current application cycle closes on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. This application deadline is for those seeking to start at Grady in fall 2024.

Grady College Career Day

This day-long event connects companies and organizations with students seeking careers in digital, print and broadcast journalism, creative mass media, media sales, advertising and public relations. Internships and full-time positions will be available. All majors and pre-Grady students are encouraged to attend. It’s never too early to start building your network. More information will become available closer to the date.

General Resources

Resources for News Organizations

Resources for
Students