To strengthen our democracy and journalism as a whole by giving new journalists the skills they need to report fairly, accurately and effectively in today’s world.
We created the AJI Reporting Fellowship because…
Trust in the media is near an all-time low
Americans’ news consumption has become as divided as our politics. We rely on news outlets and social media feeds that reinforce our own opinions. And we’re too stuck in legacy thinking to get the news to the people who need it most.
Our newsrooms are too monolithic
You can’t report fairly on people you don’t understand. But we still have too few reporters with different backgrounds and beliefs.
It’s still too hard to break in
Reporters used to get on-the-job training in local news, but those opportunities are disappearing fast. Graduate journalism programs don’t offer that practical experience — and they can be prohibitively expensive.
The AJI Experience
The two-year program for aspiring journalists interested in covering government and politics. Fellows will be paid a stipend of $60,000 per year to learn from professional journalists in D.C.
The program begins with a four-week immersion course in the practical application of journalism skills, from ethics and newsgathering to writing and distribution. After four weeks, fellows will balance ongoing classwork with hands-on experience: reporting and producing stories for a professional digital publication, while honing their skills through seminars, weekly group critiques and staff mentorship. The formal program runs for 18 months, after which fellows are invited to stay for an additional six months as we support them in seeking their next opportunity. By the end of the program, graduates will have the background necessary to cover the inner workings of Washington — and will be ready to take on reporting jobs at the country’s best outlets.
We don’t charge our fellows to attend — we pay them the equivalent of an entry-level journalism salary, so that people from all economic backgrounds can participate.
Who is eligible to apply?
We are looking for applicants of all backgrounds who want to work in journalism; who have a keen interest in policy and politics; and who believe journalism can and should play a critical role in our democracy. Some fellows may be just out of school; others may be looking for a career transition; still others may be working journalists who are early in their careers. A passion for journalism is a prerequisite, but actual journalistic experience is not.
Apply now to join the AJI Class of 2024-26
As an AJI Reporting Fellow, you’ll get an incredible, hands-on education in covering government and politics.
You’ll take classes with some of the best reporters and editors in the country.
You’ll work with many of these reporters and editors to produce and publish real-world journalism.
And did we mention that you’ll get paid? Because you’ll get paid — a stipend of $60,000 per year.
Application Deadline: March 1
Questions? Read an FAQ about the fellowship here, or email admissions@aji.org.