Sharif Durhams Leadership Program

The Sharif Durhams Leadership Program is a talent and leadership development course for students at The Daily Tar Heel from underrepresented groups.

The program's goals are to create equity, inclusion and opportunity at the DTH and to connect students to professional opportunities upon graduation.

The program includes: 

• Programming throughout the school year (exceptions will be made for students who choose to study abroad one semester)
• Mentorship relationship and career prep
• Every effort will be made to match students in the cohort with paid summer internships

The program is named for Sharif Durhams, the managing editor of The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun, who was honored as the DTH Distinguished Alumnus in 2019.

Apply now →

Meet some of our fellows

Julian Berger

Fellowship Class of 2020-2021

is a junior majoring in Media and Journalism with a minor in Hispanic Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the Promotions Manager at The Daily Tar Heel.

Charity Cohen

Fellowship Class of 2020-2021

is a junior majoring in journalism and media in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a staff writer for the Arts and Culture Desk at The Daily Tar Heel.

Niharika Vattikonda

Fellowship Class of 2020-2021

is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying Business Administration. Niharika is currently a senior writer for the City & State Desk at The Daily Tar Heel.