Applications open for 19th News Fellowship Program (US)

The 19th Fellowship Program is a year-long, learning-focused opportunity offered by The 19th to support emerging journalists and media professionals across multiple career pathways.

The fellowship strengthens public-service journalism while providing structured professional development, hands-on newsroom experience, and strong financial support.

Fellowship Tracks

The fellowship cohort includes:

• Two Reporting Fellows

• One Audience Engagement Fellow

• One Development Fellow

• One News Product Fellow

A newly expanded development track introduces fellows to the business and sustainability side of nonprofit journalism.

Focus Areas

The fellowship supports work in:

• Reporting (gender, policy, politics)

• Audience engagement

• News product innovation

• Nonprofit journalism sustainability

• Donor engagement and fundraising strategy

• Audience-centered storytelling

• Mission-driven journalism

The program integrates editorial excellence with business sustainability to strengthen independent journalism.

Development Track

The development fellowship is designed for mission-aligned candidates with backgrounds in news, nonprofits, campaigns, or fundraising.

Fellows gain hands-on experience in:

• Donor engagement

• Fundraising strategy

• Membership campaigns

• Data-driven fundraising decisions

• Messaging across platforms

• Relationship-building with readers and donors

• Cross-departmental collaboration

The track emphasizes diversified nonprofit revenue models while safeguarding editorial independence.

Reporting Fellowship

Reporting fellows focus on:

• Original reporting and story pitching

• Gender-focused reporting

• Policy and politics coverage

• Collaborative newsroom work

• Developing subject-matter expertise

• Digital and on-the-ground storytelling

• Centering marginalized voices

Audience Engagement Fellowship

Audience engagement fellows work on:

• Audience-first journalism

• Social platform storytelling (including Instagram)

• Optimizing content across digital channels

• Crafting headlines and visuals

• Performance tracking and analytics

• Cross-team collaboration

News Product Fellowship

News product fellows focus on:

• Generating product ideas through design thinking

• Testing new digital features

• Conducting user research

• Measuring product impact

• Collaborating with technology teams

• Communicating product goals to stakeholders

Program Structure

The fellowship year begins in the fall with an opening retreat held alongside a 19th-hosted event.

The structured year includes:

• Professional development workshops

• Career growth retreats

• Strategy-focused sessions

• Networking opportunities

• Community-building experiences

• Options for remote participation

Financial Support & Benefits

Fellows receive:

• Full-time salary and employee benefits

• $1,500 merit bonus

• $1,000 professional development stipend

• $960 wellness and work-from-home stipends

• $100 per month for optional coworking

• Apple MacBook (valued at $1,300–$1,500)

• Access to hardship fund (up to $5,000)

The program provides comprehensive financial and professional support to ensure fellows can fully engage in the experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have attended a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for at least two years

• Meet specified education or career experience requirements

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States

• Demonstrate relevant experience

• Show long-term interest in journalism

• Align with The 19th’s mission and values

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship lasts one full year.

2. Is the fellowship paid?

Yes. Fellows receive a full-time salary, benefits, and multiple stipends and bonuses.

3. What tracks are available?

Reporting, audience engagement, development, and news product.

4. Is remote participation possible?

Yes. There are options available for remote participation.

5. Who is eligible?

Applicants must have attended an HBCU for at least two years and be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

6. What makes the development track unique?

It focuses on nonprofit newsroom sustainability, donor engagement, and revenue strategies while maintaining editorial independence.

Conclusion

The 19th Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive pathway for emerging media professionals to build meaningful careers in public-service journalism. By combining editorial training, business sustainability exposure, product innovation, and audience engagement expertise, the fellowship prepares participants for leadership in mission-driven newsrooms.

With strong financial support, structured mentorship, and hands-on experience, the program provides a transformative opportunity for HBCU-affiliated candidates committed to advancing inclusive and independent journalism.