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Open Call: Widening the Pipeline Fellowship Program 2026 (US)

Deadline: 14-Dec-2025

The National Press Foundation’s Widening the Pipeline Fellowship supports early-career journalists of color in the U.S. through year-long virtual workshops and an in-person training in Washington, D.C. The program aims to strengthen retention, develop leadership skills, and help participants build sustainable careers in journalism. Applications are open until December 14, 2025, for U.S.-based journalists with seven years or less of newsroom experience.

National Press Foundation: Widening the Pipeline Fellowship Program 2026

Overview

The National Press Foundation (NPF) has launched the Widening the Pipeline Fellowship to address the ongoing diversity gaps in U.S. newsrooms. The program provides structured training, mentorship, leadership development, and nationwide networking to support journalists of color early in their careers.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Journalists of color often face limited support, slower advancement, and higher rates of attrition in the media industry. This fellowship:

  • Strengthens professional skills

  • Provides leadership tools

  • Offers community and long-term support

  • Helps participants build stable and impactful journalism careers

  • Contributes to a more inclusive and representative media landscape

Nearly half of previous fellows secured promotions or salary increases, demonstrating strong program impact.

Program Structure

Key Components

  • In-person Training (Washington, D.C.)
    Held in March 2026 with airfare and hotel included.

  • Monthly Virtual Workshops
    From January to December 2026

  • Mentorship & Career Development
    Focus on newsroom leadership, reporting skills, and sustainable career building

Training Focus Areas

  • Leadership development

  • Navigating newsroom culture

  • Storytelling and editorial excellence

  • Digital, multimedia, and investigative journalism

  • Career resilience and strategic planning

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • U.S.-based journalists working in print, radio, television, or online media

  • Seven years or less of professional newsroom experience

  • Identify as a journalist of color or belong to an underrepresented group

  • Able to commit to all virtual and in-person sessions

  • Supported by a supervisor (letter of recommendation required)

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare a letter of recommendation from your supervisor confirming participation availability.

  2. Complete the official application form through the NPF portal.

  3. Provide required information about your journalism experience and professional goals.

  4. Submit your application before December 14, 2025.

Required Documents

  • Application form

  • Supervisor recommendation letter

  • Work samples (as requested in the application)

  • Resume or CV

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly articulate career goals aligned with newsroom leadership.

  • Highlight challenges you have faced as an early-career journalist of color.

  • Demonstrate your commitment to staying and growing in the journalism field.

  • Ensure your supervisor’s letter confirms availability for all sessions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing or incomplete recommendation letters

  • Vague professional goals

  • Submitting work samples without context

  • Overlooking the attendance commitment for both virtual and in-person sessions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to be employed full-time to apply?
No. Freelancers working regularly with U.S.-based outlets may apply.

2. Does the fellowship cost anything?
No. NPF covers airfare and hotel for the in-person training, and all fellowship training sessions are free.

3. Is the program only for reporters?
No. Reporters, editors, producers, and other newsroom roles are eligible.

4. How many fellows are selected?
NPF typically selects a cohort based on program capacity and applicant quality.

5. Are non-U.S. citizens eligible?
Yes, if they are currently working for a U.S.-based media organization.

6. What level of experience is required?
Applicants must have seven years or less of professional newsroom experience.

7. What if my supervisor cannot provide a recommendation letter?
A direct editor or manager must provide one; without it, the application is incomplete.

Conclusion

The Widening the Pipeline Fellowship is a powerful opportunity for early-career journalists of color to build leadership skills, receive expert mentorship, and strengthen career resilience. By offering comprehensive training throughout 2026, the National Press Foundation reinforces its commitment to supporting diverse talent and shaping the future of American journalism. Applications close December 14, 2025.

For more information, visit National Press Foundation.