Two student journalists from Alabama will have the unique opportunity to be mentored by members of a highly esteemed news organization during the school year.
Jordyn Davis, a student at Samford, is currently interning at Bham Now. Recently, she was selected to be part of the third cohort of The New York Times Corps, a program that pairs journalism students with mentors at The New York Times. Throughout the year, they meet to discuss projects and receive valuable career guidance. Maven Navarro, the editor-in-chief of the Crimson White student newspaper at the University of Alabama, also joins Davis in this prestigious cohort.
“Young journalists encounter numerous obstacles when it comes to establishing themselves in the industry,” as stated by the Times. “The Times Corps is dedicated to offering aspiring journalists, who may not have access otherwise, with valuable career guidance and support.”
Metro investigations editor Stephen Merelman, who previously worked at The Alabama Journal, the Montgomery Advertiser, the Mobile Press-Register, and The Birmingham News before working his way up to the Times, will be one of the mentors participating in the program.
After graduation, students who take part in the program will have the opportunity to visit the main office of the paper in New York City. During this visit, they will have the chance to meet their mentors face-to-face. The New York Times has mentioned that some of these students may even have the opportunity to join the  Times prestigious one-year fellowship program. In addition, they may also be referred to other news outlets across the country.
In a recent interview with Bham Now, Davis expressed his excitement about joining the prestigious corps. He shared his deep passion for journalism and his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Davis eagerly looks forward to meeting his mentor and gaining invaluable insights that will propel his journalism career to greater heights.
Navarro joined the CW team in 2023 and initially served as a news editor. Earlier this year, the UA Media Planning Board recognized Navarro’s talent and appointed them as the publication’s editor-in-chief. Prior to their role at CW, Navarro gained valuable experience through an internship at The Tuscaloosa Thread.
Since its inception in 2022, the New York Times Corps has provided an opportunity for nearly 60 students to participate in the program.
