VOICES is a student fellowship program that provides aspiring journalists with career-ready skills to succeed in the continually-evolving media landscape. The program’s mission is to help a diverse group of aspiring journalists understand how audiences engage with them, how communities view the work they produce and how they can understand the impact of their work. By nurturing relationships between students and professional volunteers, VOICES also gives students the opportunity to tap into mentors’ networks and begin their own. 

This program is open to college students interested in journalism. We are looking for students who are interested in producing a long-form, in-depth news project over the course of the summer. Reporters, social media strategists, designers, developers, data engineers, podcasters, broadcasters and bloggers are all welcome to apply.

The program this year will consist of summer-long training and project work that culminates at the AAJA National Convention in Seattle, Washington from July 30 to August 3, 2025.

     As a VOICES fellow, students will:

• Attend virtual trainings throughout the summer led by industry leaders
• Build lasting relationships with their editors and other AAJA professionals
• Be a part of AAJA's National Convention as attendees and presenters
• Meet and interview with recruiters from major news companies 

Past fellows have gone onto internships and jobs at news companies such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Frontline and more. Former VOICES students and editors are now Pulitzer Prize winners, documentarians, public relations professionals, broadcast anchors and newsroom editors. Above all, VOICES is a community that lasts far beyond one summer – it's a community that students will be a part of for a lifetime. To view past work by fellows, visit the VOICES website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check here for information on eligibility, the program and other general questions.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 7, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PT

Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship Grant

This grant awards funds to current AAJA members in pursuit of professional development. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted into a professional development program. 

Eligibility and Rules

• Current dues-paying AAJA member
• Demonstrate leadership potential, or currently hold a management position
• Must have a serious interest in continuing pursuing journalism as a career.
• Candidates must commit to submitting a post for the AAJA website at the end of their training experience that highlights how the fellowship advanced them along their career path.

Application Requirements

• Resume
• One letter of recommendation
• A letter verifying your acceptance into a professional development program
• A brief statement describing your financial need
• In 500 words or less, describe your career goals and why AAJA's mission is important to you.

To learn more about this scholarship and AAJA, visit our website.

DEADLINES: 

The spring application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on April 30, 2025.

Grants are distributed on a rolling basis. Complete the application at least 3 weeks before payment is due for the program or event you plan on attending. All required materials must be received by the deadline to be considered. 

Questions? Email support@aaja.org with Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship Grant in the subject line.