ConDev’s Student Media Grant Program (SMGP)

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About SMGP:

The Program on Conflict and Development (ConDev) at Texas A&M University is accepting applications for its annual Student Media Grant Program, offering Aggies and others an opportunity to highlight the human stories behind major global issues. This year (2023-2024) ConDev is cooperating with the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, to focus on the role that hospitality and tourism plays in the mediation of conflict worldwide.

Since 2013, program participants have used photos, interviews and other means to document world events depicting the intersection of conflict and development. This year we ask the question, “How has hospitality and tourism supported peace building”. These grants are funded by Texas A&M’s Howard G. Buffett Foundation Endowed Chair on Conflict and Development.

SMGP Theme for 2023-2024:

This year, 2023-2024, the theme of the program is the role of tourism and hospitality in supporting families and communities to avoid conflict, thrive during conflict, or recover from conflict.

This theme is chosen to (a) commemorate the tenth anniversary of the installation of a selection of Howard G. Buffett photography at Texas A&M University, and (b) to celebrate the inauguration of the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism in Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Winners of the 2023-24 photo-journalism grants will be invited to Texas A&M to present their finished work as part of the celebration of the installation of the Buffett photography.  

Each grant winner is expected to spend a minimum of two months during 2024 engaged in and documenting through photography and associated written or verbal commentary an issue that reflects the challenges faced by fragile and conflict-affected nations through the lens of tourism and/or hospitality. 

This year, the application is open to any student from any accredited university in the world. Those selected for the program will receive up to $5,000 to travel to any location they choose, domestic or international, as long as they secure proper approval from their university and any other relevant entities.

As in previous years, students are encouraged to pair their documentary efforts with active community engagement through research and service activities. Past student media grant program projects have focused on topics as diverse as displaced persons who fled the Boko Haram in Nigeria,  a home gardening initiative in Haiti, devotees of the folk saint Santa Muerte in Mexico City, and conditions in France’s Calais “Jungle” refugee camp.

During their experience focused on hospitality and tourism, students will be expected to:

  • Demonstrate a two-month minimum engagement within their chosen problem focus through extension, public service, internships, student research, or other pursuits.
  • Create photo-journalism deliverable(s) for ConDev’s social media and/or website and document their chosen subjects through photo, video, radio or some other form of media that draws attention to the role of hospitality and tourism to conflict and development issues;
  • Publish or exhibit their work in a form of refereed media.

Who’s Eligible?

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at any accredited university worldwide. Students graduating in 2023 are also eligible to apply. 

Application Timeline

  • November 30, 2023 (due by 11:59 pm CST, USA time): Application Deadline

For more information: https://www.condevcenter.org/Education/Student-Media-Grant

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