The third Citizen Journalism Academy takes place this fall.

The CJA is sponsored by The World Company and the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas University.

CJA fellows will learn from educators and practicing journalists about the processes and standards that help translate community activities and events into “news.”

“Many people today are on ‘information overload,'” said Ann Brill, dean of the KU School of Journalism. “With all the media outlets, it’s difficult to know what to pay attention to as well as the credibility of the people reporting and writing. Our hope with the CJA is to help citizens become better media consumers as well as help those passing along information to be responsible and accurate.”

Fellows will learn about writing, photography and blogging, and get hands-on experience.

Candidates can apply online at LJWorld.com or send an application to Cody Howard, 6News news director, 645 N.H., Lawrence, KS 66044.

In your application, tell us about yourself and why you want to be part of the Citizen Journalism Academy.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Sept. 14. Applicants will receive notification about whether they are a member of the class by Sept. 24.

Classes will be on five consecutive Monday evenings, beginning Oct. 1. There is no charge for the class.

Fellows also will learn how news decisions are made, the ethics of storytelling, how to ask the right questions and a number of other key topics.

“People want to be a part of the community conversation – to know their voice is being heard,” Howard said. “This class provides an opportunity for that, while training citizens on the basics of journalism and news gathering.

“After five weeks, Fellows should have a clear understanding of how to ask the right questions, cultivate sources and tell a comprehensive story effectively in different and cutting-edge media.”