AAJA is inviting applications for editors to join VOICES 2026, our signature college student journalism program. VOICES is designed to help emerging reporters launch their careers through mentorship, published work, and professional connections.

What Editors Do

• Mentor and edit the work of assigned fellows, helping them develop publishable stories and grow as journalists.
• Co-facilitate one of five virtual sessions (April–June), which will feature a guest speaker, group conversation, and breakout discussions.
• Meet with fellows individually to support their reporting process.
• Help fellows prepare short (5–10 minute) presentations of their stories for the AAJA National Convention.
  
   

What AAJA Provides

• All travel, lodging, and food expenses covered for the convention in Minneapolis.
• Administrative and curriculum support from AAJA staff, who will organize sessions and logistics so editors can focus on students.
• An alumni advisory group available to consult and lend editing support when needed.
• A strong collaborative team of fellow editors, past leaders, and VOICES alumni.
  
   

Expectations

• Commitment from April through June for five virtual sessions, individual check-ins, and story editing.
• Attendance at the AAJA 2026 Convention to support fellows during presentations and throughout the week.
• A shared commitment to professionalism, mentorship, and inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check here for information on eligibility, the program and other general questions. View past fellows' work at voices.aaja.org.
 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT

AAJA’s Premier Student Fellowship for Emerging Journalists

VOICES is a highly selective fellowship designed to accelerate the growth of aspiring journalists through hands-on training, mentorship, and community. Fellows gain the professional skills, editorial insight, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing media landscape.

The program’s mission is to help a diverse group of student journalists understand how audiences engage with their work, how communities perceive journalism, and how their reporting can make meaningful impact. By pairing fellows with professional editors and mentors, VOICES offers a rigorous, real-world experience that challenges participants to grow as storytellers, collaborators, and leaders.

Eligibility
   VOICES is open to college students interested in pursuing journalism. We’re looking for students who are committed to developing their craft, learning from industry professionals, and pushing their skills to the next level. Reporters, editors, social media strategists, designers, data journalists, podcasters, broadcasters, and multimedia storytellers are all encouraged to apply.

Program Overview
   The fellowship includes training sessions, guided project work, and personalized mentorship that culminate in presentations at the AAJA National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 24–28, 2026). Fellows will:

• Participate in advanced journalism workshops and skill-building sessions led by industry leaders.
• Receive hands-on guidance from experienced editors and mentors.
• Collaborate with peers across disciplines to produce impactful, audience-focused work.
• Present their work and represent VOICES at the AAJA National Convention.
• Build lasting professional networks with recruiters and journalists from major media outlets.
   

Program Outcomes
   VOICES alumni have gone on to internships and careers at The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Frontline, and other top media organizations. Many are now Pulitzer Prize winners, documentary filmmakers, broadcast anchors, and newsroom leaders.

More than a fellowship, VOICES is a professional community that stays with you for life — a network of journalists united by purpose, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence.

• Explore past VOICES projects at voices.aaja.org
• Application Deadline: December 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT

Frequently Asked Questions

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

DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 19, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PT