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

The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is for journalists and media professionals who are interested in advancing their careers and developing the skills necessary to achieve their professional and personal goals. ELP offers a challenging, practical, and life-changing experience.

This is not a typical program about how to become a better manager; it is a transformational journey designed to develop emerging journalism leaders capable of navigating unpredictable challenges and building a sustainable future for the industry.

The program explores the responsibilities and challenges within a media workplace, how to lead in a changing landscape, and how cultural values influence leadership. Experienced career coaches and senior news executives guide participants as they delve into a variety of topics in a small, supportive environment.

The trainings are highly-interactive and participants will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects and questions such as: 

• How do leadership styles across various cultures affect our work?
• How can we deconstruct corporate culture to find paths to success and overcome barriers?
• In what ways do my background and passion impact my work?
• How does digital media impact the industry and what is my role in it?
• How can I meaningfully contribute to the industry and my community?
• What lessons can be learned from established and emerging media markets? 

Participants will also explore perspectives on and gain concrete approaches to:

• Diversity and culture in the workplace
• Leadership skills, styles, and opportunities 
• Power, politics, and influence
• Professional and career goal setting
• Personal branding and confidence
• Negotiation tactics 

QUALIFICATIONS

Individuals with four to seven years of experience are encouraged to apply. Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Acceptance into the program may be contingent upon an interview.
 

LOGISTICS

The 2025 ELP sessions will be held both in person and virtually. Participants are required to attend all live and virtual sessions. They are also responsible for having all the technology needed to attend the virtual trainings, including a computer, webcam, and a strong internet connection.
 

2025 Sessions (all times are for the Eastern Time Zone)

In-person Opening Session: Wednesday through Saturday, April 23-26, in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Sessions: Monthly two-hour sessions from May through July. Times and dates TBD.  
In-person Closing Session: Wednesday, July 30, during AAJA's National Convention in Seattle, Washington.
 

TUITION AND PAYMENT

Tuition for ELP is $1,750 for AAJA members and $2,250 for non-members. It includes the costs of training materials, meals during in-person sessions, and basic registration for the 2025 AAJA National Convention.

Applicants accepted to ELP must pay for the program by April 15. For those who need it, there will be an option to pay the tuition in two payments. Applicants who cancel their registration after April 15 will not receive a refund.

Those in need of financial assistance may reach out to their employers or local AAJA chapter leadership (AAJA members only). All applicants to ELP 2025 will automatically be screened for eligibility to the following opportunities.

• The South Asian Journalists Association is sponsoring two fully funded spots for ELP, exclusively for SAJA members looking to advance their leadership skills.
• The Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship, which grants up to $1,000 to professionals seeking newsroom leadership training and management development.
• AAJA’s Simon and June Li Leadership Transformation Fund provides financial assistance to AAPI leaders, helping offset the cost of programs like ELP. 
• The AAJA Original Founders Executive Leadership Program Fellowship sponsored by Dickson Louie, which honors the six original AAJA founders —  Bill Sing, Tritia Toyota, Frank Kwan, Nancy Yoshihara, David Kishiyama,  and Dwight Chuman — for their innovation, grit, and entrepreneurial  skills that they displayed in making AAJA a reality and in challenging  the status quo. The fellowship helps support members who have been active in an AAJA leadership role at the national or local level to attend ELP.

All applications to ELP are automatically considered for fellowship opportunities. There is no separate application process required for applying to SAJA fellowship, the Simon and June Li fellowship or the Founders Fellowship.
 

HOW TO APPLY

You must be a professional working actively in the journalism and media industry to apply for the program.

Fill out the application below for the U.S. ELP Cohort.
 

Applications are due by Friday, February 28 at 11:59 PM PT. Please note that space is very limited.

Attach the following documents to the form:
       • A résumé or link to your LinkedIn profile
       • A professional, high-resolution color photo
       • A letter of recommendation from a supervisor (OPTIONAL)
       • A short 100-word biography

       Contact AAJA HQ at https://www.aaja.org/about/contact/ with any questions.

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.