At the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships, they believe the people closest to journalism’s hardest problems are the ones best placed to help solve them. And they believe that strengthening journalism helps deepen trust within their communities and build more resilient democracies.

They’re looking for journalists and people who work in service of journalism (editors, producers, photographers, audience and community builders, publishers, just to name a few) who are intellectually and creatively restless. People who are hungry to dig in and poke holes in their own thinking. People who want to spend real time chasing their question wherever it leads.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants need at least five years of professional experience. A college degree or experience inside a traditional newsroom isn’t required. And while student work and internships are valuable, they don’t count toward the five-year requirement.

They welcome applications from people who are:

Directly involved in producing journalistic content, in any capacity.

Working in operations or strategy roles in news organizations.

Working with an organization that supports or collaborates directly with journalists.

It does not matter whether you are doing the work as an employee or as an independent contractor. But if you are an independent contractor or freelancer, the majority of your work needs to be within the journalism sector.

International candidates note: If you’re a citizen  of a country where the United States has suspended issuance of nonimmigrant visas (specifically J visas), unfortunately we would be unable to offer you a fellowship. We recommend that you wait to apply until these restrictions are lifted. If you hold citizenship and a passport from an additional country that doesn’t have a visa restriction, then you could apply with that citizenship.

How it works

For nine months, from September through May, you step away from the daily grind and into Stanford University. You’ll explore the question you bring with you, test new approaches and grow as a more effective, purposeful and resilient leader.

Here’s what makes this time distinctive:

A small cohort. You’ll learn alongside a close group of fellow Fellows from around the world. The connections you make are a big part of the experience.

Programming that’s personal. You get individual coaching and customized workshops from our directors, program partners, and advisers, all focused on helping you lead through change.

The run of Stanford. Take classes, attend talks, and explore one of the world’s leading universities.

A lifelong network. Hundreds of alumni around the world keep collaborating, sharing what they know and showing up for each other long after the fellowship ends.

Your family is welcome. They enthusiastically include spouses, partners, and family in fellowship life.

BENEFIT:

As a JSK Fellow, you receive:

A $135,000 stipend for the nine months

Stanford tuition and health insurance, plus a health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage

Advice on finding rental housing and settling into the Stanford area for you and your family

Individual coaching, customized workshops, and access to the global JSK alumni network

Time to explore Stanford’s academic and creative offerings.

In return, they ask that you:

Be in residence at Stanford from September through May, and treat the fellowship as a full-time commitment.

Join weekly cohort meetings and biweekly one-on-one coaching sessions.

Attend occasional JSK and Stanford events.

Share your insights and reflections publicly along the way.

Collaborate respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives