New America Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026: $5,000 Stipend for Journalists

Applications are now open for the New America Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026. This program supports U.S.-based journalists to produce in-depth reporting on how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy connect in communities. The fellowship offers a stipend and professional support for journalists looking to explore these critical intersections.

Application Closing Date: September 4, 2026
Location: U.S.-based journalists
Programme Duration: Project-based reporting
Stipend: $5,000
Minimum Qualification: Professional reporting experience

About the New America Future of Work Reporting Fellowship

The Future of Work Reporting Fellowship is a joint initiative by Work Shift and New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative. Its main goal is to help journalists tell important stories about the changing world of work. This includes how education systems, job training programs, and new economic developments impact people’s lives.

Fellows will undertake a place-based reporting project. This could be a detailed article, a series of articles, or a multimedia project. The focus must be on the connection between education, workforce development, and the innovation economy within specific communities or regions.

The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of these complex issues. It provides journalists with the resources and support needed to produce high-quality, well-researched stories that inform the public.

About New America

New America is a think tank that focuses on a wide range of public policy issues. Its Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative explores how technology and economic changes affect jobs, workers, and communities. The organization aims to generate ideas and solutions for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Work Shift is a partner in this fellowship, bringing expertise in journalism and reporting on labor and economic issues. Together, they support journalists in covering the critical challenges and opportunities in the modern workforce.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

This fellowship is open to journalists working on specific types of reporting projects. The core focus is on place-based stories that examine the intersection of:

• Education (K-12 or postsecondary)
• Workforce development
• Economic development
• Technology and innovation
• Related social and public policy issues

The program particularly encourages applications from reporters covering the impacts of advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and new energy technologies on their local communities.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants, known as Fellows, will receive several benefits to support their reporting projects:

• A $5,000 stipend to help complete their chosen project.
• An expense budget of $1,500 for travel, research, and other reporting costs.
• Professional development and editorial support, including coaching and editing from Work Shift editors and New America leaders.
• Access to expert sources and data to ensure reporting is informed and high-quality.
• A virtual workshop focused on education, industrial policy, and tech-driven economic development.

Programme Duration and Location

The fellowship is project-based, meaning the duration depends on the scope of the reporting project undertaken by the fellow. The program is specifically for U.S.-based journalists. While the reporting itself will be place-based, the fellowship activities and support are managed remotely.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Future of Work Reporting Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be U.S.-based journalists.
• Have work that covers education, workforce development, economic development, technology, industrial policy, or related public policy.
• Be early- to mid-career journalists, typically with 1 to 15 years of professional reporting experience.
• Be interested in deepening their understanding of how education connects to technology-driven economic development.
• Be able to show their intended outlet is committed to running their project.
• Publishers can be local or national publications, digital-only news platforms, independent news podcasters, newsletter writers, or freelancers.

Competencies Required

The fellowship is looking for journalists who demonstrate strong reporting skills and a commitment to in-depth storytelling. Key qualities include:

• Strong writing and reporting abilities.
• A clear interest in the future of work and its societal impacts.
• Ability to conduct thorough research and analysis.
• Commitment to producing high-quality, nonpartisan journalism.
• Willingness to engage with editorial support and peer learning.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for early- and mid-career journalists in the United States who are passionate about covering the evolving landscape of work. If you are a reporter who wants to explore how education and economic changes are shaping communities and people’s lives, this program offers valuable support. It is particularly suited for those focusing on local impacts of technological and industrial advancements.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following to submit with their application:

• Basic applicant information, including personal and professional details.
• A statement of interest or project proposal, between 500-750 words.
• Either one letter of recommendation or a statement of qualifications.
• A résumé.
• Links to three published work samples from the past five years.

How to Apply

Interested journalists can apply for the New America Future of Work Reporting Fellowship through the online application portal. Ensure you have all required documents ready before starting your application.

Click here to apply for the New America Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026.

Applicants should carefully read all instructions on the portal and submit their complete application before the closing date.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications must be submitted by the deadline of September 4, 2026.
• Ensure your work samples are recent and showcase your best work.
• Confirm your intended outlet’s commitment to publishing your project.

Closing Date

The closing date for the New America Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026 is September 4, 2026.

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