MLK Alumni - Kiya: Reporting from Africa!

Highlighted here are some of our MLK alumni who are out there doing exciting and great things around the world after graduation. Are you an alumni and want to be featured on our blog? Send an email to mlkdesk@umn.edu!

Kiya Edwards with her co-hosts (Jeff Mote, top left and right; Macharia Maina, bottom left and right). 

Photos provided by Kiya Edwards.

In September 2011, I moved to Kenya on a one-way ticket, without a job lined up and around $400 to my name. I'd just finished studying broadcast journalism and theatre arts at the University of Minnesota and, while most aspiring reporters start off at stations in Small Town, USA, I was determined to pursue international media. Around five weeks into my journalism journey, I landed an unpaid internship with A24 Media, which is known for Africa Journal, a weekly pan-African TV show that airs on around 50 networks in 40 countries, including the USA. Today, I am a presenter and senior producer for the show. I have covered stories ranging from politics to fashion in 11 countries. I'm actually winding up my experience in October. It will have been two years, and I'm ready for the next adventure. Living in Kenya was challenging, but I don't regret a day in this life! You can read more about it on www.kiyainkenya.wordpress.com.

Kiya was also featured by The Wallin Education Partners: http://wallinpartners.org/2012/kiya-edwards

Her work can also be viewed through Africa Journal at: http://www.a24media.com/africa-journal/

Am I eligible to benefit from the Minnesota Dream Act?

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education will determine who is eligible to benefit from the Dream Act. Generally, students are eligible if they have attended a Minnesota high school for at least three years, have graduated from a Minnesota high school (or earned a GED in Minnesota), and have registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old). 

You must apply by October 2, 2013 to receive financial aid benefits for fall 2013 semester. Need more information? Visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Dream Act website for details.

For further questions, please contact One Stop Student Services at 612-624-1111.