2026 VOICES Fellowship Application
Ends on
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