What is the Zenith Cooperative?

The Zenith Cooperative is a group of journalists in our twenties and early thirties striving towards a sustainable alternative to the labor conditions of modern media. We are committed to providing guidance and mentorship to aspiring journalists of all ages and backgrounds.

We aim to offer an intentional, accessible space of community and support where emerging writers can ask questions, creatively experiment, and ultimately grow as writers and thinkers alongside a group of like-minded peers. Our members will act as mentors to accepted applicants on an initial term of six months by helping develop pitches or giving guidance on other writing projects. Members of The Zenith Cooperative will also provide a small number of open classes to any writer who wants to ask questions about journalism.

Read more on our Mission Statement.

What do mentorships look like?

Each Zenith Cooperative mentor will take on at least one mentee. Each mentee will meet with their mentor at minimum once a month for one hour sessions through the duration of the mentorship program, but mentors and mentees are encouraged to set their own check-in schedule based on what feels right for them. 

Beyond the basic structure, each mentorship will be individualized based on what goals or skills the mentee hopes to achieve. We also plan to foster online community via Slack between our mentees and mentors, in addition to the programming we will offer to the wider community of writers.

What is the goal of mentorship?

The loose goal of mentorship is to have each mentor help their mentee(s) complete a project by the end of the six month program, such as a feature story they can pitch to outlets. Because the intention of our mentorships is to offer individualized support, each mentorship pair is able to establish their own goals. Mentors will also be available to answer general questions about pitching, finding a beat, making connections with editors, and other elements of writing and the journalism industry.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply to The Zenith Cooperative mentorship, including international applicants and people of all ages. 

What makes a good application?

Our application aims to understand a few key things about potential mentees. In short: What is your vision for the future of journalism, and what role do you want to play in it? 

Please treat the application questions as an opportunity for us to get to know you and learn how we can support you.

What if I don't have clips to share or published writing?

That’s totally fine! Feel free to share any writing you think embodies the ideas you’re most excited about, whether that’s a Twitter thread, a paper for school, or personal writing. You can also feel free to write something to submit as part of your application, but you certainly don’t have to.

Is the Zenith Mentorship paid?

No, at present we are not able to pay mentees for participation.

Can I be a mentor?

We are not taking on new mentors at this time.

How can journalists who aren't looking for mentorship get involved or help?

If you are a journalist who wants to help The Zenith Cooperative, please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can with opportunities to get involved. In the coming months we will have opportunities for journalists and other media workers to host individual classes, workshops, and other events to emerging writers. 

When will applications open?

Applications for The Zenith Cooperative’s next cohort will likely launch in Summer 2023.

I am a company/corporation/etc. interested in collaborating. How can we connect?

At this moment we are not interested in working with any companies or doing sponsored content.