South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project Announces Transition, Launches 2026 Fellowship Program

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Photo of Velvet McNeil courtesy of Velvet McNeil X account

Organization secures renewed funding and university partnership to support diverse storytellers across six South Jersey counties

AC Joseph Media

SICKLERVILLE — The South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project (SJEJP) today announced it has spun off into its own organization, marking a new chapter in its mission to support emerging journalists and content creators throughout South Jersey.

Formerly known as the South Jersey Information Equity Project (SJIEP) and originally based at Montclair State University’s Center for Cooperative Media, the project has evolved into a new phase while maintaining its core goal of amplifying underrepresented voices in local media.

With renewed funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation (IPMF), SJEJP will launch the 2026 South Jersey Emerging Journalists Fellowship Program in January 2026. The fellowship will provide opportunities for Black and Brown content creators and emerging journalists across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Atlantic counties.

“I am honored to lead this project as we provide communities with engaging stories, strengthen ties with local media, and support fellows in expanding their news coverage across multiple platforms,” said Velvet S. McNeil, Executive Director of SJEJP. “We are grateful to the Center for Cooperative Media for nurturing the project and providing the partnership and guidance that have allowed it to thrive.”

SJEJP also announced a new collaboration with Temple University’s Center for Community-Engaging Media, which will deepen its connection with residents and news audiences across the region.

Since its founding, the organization has been shaped by research, community town halls, and collaborative partnerships that inform its mission. In the coming year, SJEJP will expand its reach and impact across South Jersey.


The South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project (SJEJP) is an independent organization dedicated to supporting Black and Brown content creators and emerging journalists across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Atlantic counties. Through fellowships, partnerships, and community engagement, SJEJP works to ensure that South Jersey’s diverse stories are told, heard, and shared.


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