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

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 2026 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.
 

2026 Sessions (all times are for the Eastern Time Zone)

In-person Opening Session: Wednesday through Saturday, April 22-25, in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Sessions: Bi-weekly two-hour sessions from May through June.
In-person Closing Session: Wednesday, June 24, during AAJA's National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
 

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 2026 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 2026 will automatically be screened for eligibility to the following opportunities.

• AAJA’s Simon and June Li Leadership Transformation Fund provides financial assistance to AAPI leaders, helping offset the cost of programs like ELP. 
• Tony Hirashiki Scholarship supports a promising leader participating in ELP by covering tuition and providing a small stipend.
• 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 the Simon and June Li fellowship or the Founders Fellowship. Also, selected fellows from the following AAJA chapters: DC, NY, Seattle and LA; may be eligible to receive assistance for up to half of the total tuition of the program.

In addition to the opportunities above, ELP applicants may also be eligible for support through the Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship, a separate program that provides funding for up to $1,000 for professional development and leadership training. Applicants who meet the fellowship’s criteria are encouraged to apply directly, as it can be used to help cover the cost of ELP. Details on eligibility and the application process will be shared with all admitted participants.

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 Tuesday, January 6 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.