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Storytelling Stipend

Applications for the 2026 Stipend will open soon. Completed applications are due Friday, May 8th by end of day.

Check back for the application link.

The WTS Greater Chicago Chapter is proud to introduce a new stipend: The WTS Greater Chicago Storytelling Stipend, generously funded by Noreen Ellis. 

The purpose of this new stipend is to foster creative communication within our profession by supporting members in the development of their storytelling skills — an increasingly vital tool for promoting the vision and value of a robust, interconnected, and resilient transportation system. This new WTS Storytelling Stipend will cover up to $500 for you to participate in a course or program that increases your education or experience in this space! 

 

FAQs:


What is ‘storytelling’ and why does it matter to me?

Storytelling can be many things to many people. At its core, storytelling is the ability of individuals to convey a point of data, perspective or theory to a broader audience in a compelling and comprehensive manner. Throughout the course of our careers, we are constantly communicating intricate concepts to managers, the public, and each other. This can often be an uphill battle when the audience we are speaking or presenting to is not fully aware of the data we are presenting, if the concept is counterintuitive, or if individuals are coming from distinct backgrounds or perceptions. Forming messages that unite audiences allows us to move beyond talking about concepts or ideas and take action to make our designs or policies come to life. Please consider leveraging this opportunity to craft the narrative around transportation while increasing your experience and confidence in developing meaningful narratives. 

How does this storytelling stipend work? 

Applicants will identify a course, program or other workshop that enhances their ability or experience in related to storytelling, this can be written, oral, visual, or other medium. Anything that strengthens your storytelling abilities. Applicants will include a link to this course, along with written responses as to why they should be selected for this opportunity in a form. A panel of WTS judges from across the industry will review and select individuals to award the stipend to. Selected applicants will receive up to $500 toward the approved course they are interested in pursuing. 

Am I eligible for this opportunity? 

The WTS Greater Chicago Storytelling Stipend is eligible for the following individuals: 

  • WTS Chicago members in good standing 
  • Employees of a WTS public partners agency (see list of partners here)
  • Current Students. Please note WTS International offers student memberships at no cost.

Learn more about WTS Greater Chicago membership opportunities here. 

 

What types of classes, courses, or workshops would be applicable?  

The WTS Greater Chicago Storytelling Scholarship supports oral, written, visual and performance-based storytelling courses that help our members strengthen their voice, communicate complex ideas clearly, and engage audiences through narrative. The courses listed below are examples, comparable courses offered by reputable organizations may also be eligible.

  • Written Storytelling. Strengthen narrative skills through writing, revision, and voice-driven storytelling.
  • Oral & Performance-Based Storytelling. Learn how to craft and share compelling stories through spoken word, voice, and presence.
  • Visual Storytelling. Tell stories through images, visual sequencing, and place-based documentation.
    • Intro to Photography / Photo I (Visual Storytelling Foundations)
      Chicago Photography School
      Learn to communicate meaning and story through photographs.
      https://chicagophotoclasses.com/ 
    • Street & Documentary Photography Workshops
      Chicago Photography School
      Explore storytelling through people, communities, and public spaces.
      https://chicagophotoclasses.com/ 
    • Photography & Visual Narrative (Adult Continuing Education)
      School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
      Evening and weekend courses focused on conceptual and narrative photography.
      https://continuingstudies.saic.edu/ 
  • Embodied & Scene-Based Storytelling. Build narrative skills through movement, scene work, and improvisation.

Again, these courses are only the beginning, there are many other opportunities offered, we encourage you to be creative and feel free to ask questions! [email protected]

How does course reimbursement work? 

You will provide a link to the course, including the cost. Upon award of the Storytelling stipend, you will sign up for the course individually, send WTS Greater Chicago a receipt of payment, and our chapter will reimburse you for up to $500. Please note that courses may exceed the $500 limit, but we are only able to cover the cost of an individual course for up to $500. 

When do I need to have the course completed by? 

Individuals must sign up and begin taking the course within one year of award. We work with award recipients throughout the course of the year to ensure they complete the course and promote their story in WTS media and events.  

When do I need to Apply by? 
  • Applications open for the Storytelling Stipend on Thursday 4/9 and close Friday 5/8 EOD. 
  • Applicants will be notified if they are selected by Monday 6/12.
  • Awarded applicants will be expected to accept their award at the WTS Scholarship event on Tuesday 6/23. 

About Noreen Ellis: 

26_CHI_NoreenEllis

In 3rd grade English class, Noreen read the poem in Just- by e.e. cummings. That wild, joyful poem, gleefully breaking all the rules, made her want to be a poet and a storyteller. After learning that you must know the rules in order to break them, Noreen became a poet, playwright and storytelling professional. She joined WTS Greater Chicago 30 years ago when she began her transportation career as a communications officer at Amtrak.

Throughout her career she has used storytelling to explain complex infrastructure projects, engage customers, build advocates, and strengthen people’s understanding of transportation’s central role in their lives. She has worked as Chief Communication Officer for Knight E/A, and is currently Vice President, Strategic Engagement Advisory for WSP. Her poems have been published in Hanging Loose Press, Cease, Cows and she was a 2016 recipient of a Troubadour International Poetry Prize.  Noreen credits her success in the transportation industry to her commitment to giving voice to the right story and continual practice honing and improving the skills needed to craft compelling narratives.

She also credits her success to the relationships, networking and education she has enjoyed as an active WTS member, serving as a committee chair, advisory board member and scholarship judge. Noreen knows that effective storytelling is essential to the transportation industry and individual success. She established the WTS Greater Chicago Storytelling Stipend to give WTS members the opportunity to learn storytelling skills, sharpen their creative abilities and explore new storytelling techniques. And because, as poet Muriel Rukeyser writes:

The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.