Age Boom Academy

The Columbia Aging Center's Age Boom Academy, a signature program of the ILC-USA, was established in 2000 and serves as a forum in which to educate journalists about the multifaceted social, economic, and health issues associated with population aging. Founded by Jack Rosenthal (1935-2017), then-president of The New York Times Company Foundation, and Robert N. Butler, MD, (1927-2010), the Academy lays the groundwork for sophisticated reporting about issues impacting older adults and a world where people are living into their 90s and beyond.  There are nearly 200 members of the press who are alumni of the program.   The output of these Age Boom Academy Fellows has created a huge body of aging-related reporting.  Past Academies have focused on themes such as work, health inequities, retirement, myths about global aging, and the role of voters over 65 in the changing political landscape. The Columbia Aging Center is pleased to have the Columbia School of Journalism as its partner in this annual event that attracts journalists from across the United States and beyond.

A selective process identifies the Fellows who each year come together with researchers for an intensive two-and-a-half day workshop to learn how to effectively translate science into accessible reporting on the complex economic, demographic, sociological and health issues at play.  During the Academy, journalist learn by interviewing assembled scientists and experts.  They participate in story clinics led by researchers and senior journalists, and have their stories critiqued by researchers.  The Academy is also a forum wherein journalists augment their network of sources with expertise in a range of disciplines. Simultaneously, researchers learn how to communicate more effectively with journalists.

Congratulations to the 2023 Age Boom Academy Fellows!

Sally Abrahms, Freelance Joumalist

Aisha Adkins, Freelance Joumalist

Morgan Baskin, Housing and Development Reporter, WAMU 88.5/DCist

lan Bradley, Reporter, Nashville Business Journal

Khristopher J. Brooks, Reporter, CBS MoneyWatch

Annemarie Cuccia, Accountability Reporter, Street Sense Media

Veronica Dagher, Personal Finance Reporter, The Wall Street Journal

Jonathan D. Epstein, Staff Reporter, The Buffalo News

Stacey Freed, Freelance Journalist

Cynthia Greenlee, Deputy Editor, Special Series, The Guardian (US)

Heidi Groover, Real Estate Reporter, The Seattle Times

Jessica Hall, Retirement Reporter, MarketWatch

Lisa Halverstadt, Senior Investigative Reporter, Voice of San Diego

Lillian Hernández Caraballo, Housing and Homelessness Beat Reporter, 90.7 WMFE

Tony Hicks, Reporter/Editor, Bay City News/Local News Matters

Debra Kamin, Reporter, The New York Times

Lizzie Kane, General Assignment Business Reporter, Chicago Tribune

Lorie Konish, Personal Finance Reporter, CNBC.com

Brooke Kushwaha, Reporter, The Vineyard Gazette

Bailey Loosemore, Engagement Reporter, The Courier Journal

D. Kevin McNeir, Freelance Joumalist

Alexa Mikhail, Health and Wellness Reporter, Fortune

Ashley Milne-Tyte, Freelance Joumalist

Megan Myscofski, Public Health and Equity Reporter, KUNM

Natalie Orenstein, Housing and Homelessness Reporter, The Oaklandside

Nushrat Rahman, Reporter, Detroit Free Press and BridgeDetroit

Caitlin Reilly, Financial Services Reporter, CQ Roll Call

Charlene Rhinehart, Publisher, Chicago Southsider

Helen Rummel, Housing Insecurity Reporter, The Arizona Republic

Sandra Sadek, Growth Reporter, Fort Worth Report

Gregory Schmidt, Senior Staff Editor, The New York Times

Anita Snow, Staff Writer, The Associated Press

Annmarie Timmins, Senior Reporter, New Hampshire Bulletin

Tatyana Turner, NYCHA Reporter, City Limits

Abby Vesoulis, National Politics Reporter, Mother Jones

Tess Vrbin, Reporter, Arkansas Advocate

Age Boom Academy: A Training Ground for Journalists and Scientists

Photo of Age Boom speakers

Participants from past Age Boom Academies.