The Journalism Excellence Fellowship enables recent graduates or journalists with less than 5 years of experience to work in top newsrooms. The fellowship will last 9 months, with the option to extend to 12 months, and positions will begin in September 2026.
This new Fellowship is designed to develop writers who can engage complex issues thoughtfully, challenge prevailing orthodoxies when warranted, and contribute original, well-reasoned reporting and opinion perspectives to the national conversation.
The fellowship position at each participating outlet is unique. You will find below details about each role and a summary of expectations for fellows at these outlets.
Each application contains common questions and documents as well as unique elements for the outlet. You will be asked to provide a resume, three journalistic writing samples, and short answers to three questions that may be used in both applications. If you use the same email, our system will automatically add your responses from one application to the others. Unique aspects of each application may include a cover letter, a sample article, a short-form video, or a reference letter.
Using the buttons below, you will be taken to the application portal for the fellowship opportunity at the listed outlet.
The Washington Post
Deadline: March 8, 2026
Location: Washington, DC
Application Requires: Cover Letter, Sample Op-Ed, Video
Role Summary: The Fellow supports the Deputy Opinion Editor by editing bylined opinion pieces, assisting with fact-checking, managing incoming op-ed submissions, and performing other editorial tasks as needed. The role involves working under tight deadlines—including occasional nights and weekends—and requires strong news judgment and a high level of editorial precision in style, grammar, clarity, accuracy, and voice.
The Boston Globe
Deadline: March 8, 2026
Location: Boston, MA
Application Requires: Cover Letter, Sample Op-Ed, Video, Recommendation Letter
Role Summary: The Fellow will produce unsigned editorials, signed columns, and reported commentary while participating in thrice-weekly editorial meetings and contributing to the development of the editorial board’s positions on local, national, and international issues. The role also includes pursuing original reporting in the community, collaborating closely with assigning editors, and contributing to Boston Globe Opinion’s digital platforms through newsletters, social media, video, podcasts, and longer Sunday Ideas features as appropriate.
The Economist
Deadline: April 8, 2026
Location: Washington, DC
Application Requires: Cover Letter, Sample Article, Letter of Recommendation
Role Summary: The Fellow joins the U.S. team to pitch and write reported stories on politics and public policy, assist senior journalists with research and planning, and collaborate with podcast and video teams. The role requires clear thinking and communication, a deep interest in American politics, and the initiative to work independently.
The Dispatch
Deadline: April 8, 2026
Location: Washington, DC
Application Requires: Cover Letter, Personal Essay
Role Summary: The Fellow works closely with editors to produce articles and contribute to newsletters covering politics, national security, and religion’s role in civic life. The role emphasizes building and maintaining high-value sources across political organizations, federal agencies, and Capitol Hill, and translating complex policy and regulatory material into clear, engaging stories for a general audience. Strong writing skills, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accuracy and fairness are essential.
Thank you for your interest in the Journalism Excellence Fellowship. Applications for the 2026-27 Fellowship are closed.