Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026

🏢 About New America - Future of Work Reporting Fellowship

The Future of Work Reporting Fellowship, co-organized by Work Shift and New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative, supports journalists in telling essential stories about how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy intersect in real communities, and what it means for people's lives and livelihoods.

🎁 Benefits

Each Fellow in the Work Shift & New America Reporting Fellowship will receive:

• $5,000 stipend for project completion
• $1,500 expense budget for travel, research, and other reporting expenses
• Professional development and editorial support, including coaching, editing, and peer learning opportunities from Work Shift editors and New America leaders
• A virtual workshop organized by New America to deepen understanding of the intersection of education, industrial policy, and tech-driven economic development
• Access to expert sources and data resources to support high-quality, informed reporting

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The Fellowship is open to U.S.-based journalists whose work includes reporting on:

• Education (K-12 or postsecondary)
• Workforce development
• Economic development
• Technology
• Industrial policy
• Related social and public policy issues

Additional Considerations:

• Local and regional reporters are encouraged to apply, especially those covering workforce and education impacts of advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, next-generation energy, and other technology investments in their communities.
• National reporters are eligible if their work focuses on place-based stories and on-the-ground impacts.
• Early- and mid-career journalists (approximately 1-15 years of professional reporting experience) are ideal candidates.
• Eligible formats include print, online, radio, TV, multimedia, independent news podcasters, newsletter writers, and freelancers targeting nonpartisan media outlets.
• Applicants should state their intended outlet and its commitment to run their project. Work Shift is open to co-publishing or being the primary publisher on some projects.

📝 Application Process

A complete application consists of the following required components:

1. Basic applicant information (personal and professional details)
2. Statement of interest / Project proposal (500-750 words)
3. One letter of recommendation OR a statement of qualifications
4. Résumé
5. Links to three (3) work samples published within the past five years. Samples should be your best recent work.

📅 Application Deadline

24 July, 2026

🌐 Opportunity Application

For more details, visit the official page of the New America - Future of Work Reporting Fellowship.

To apply, visit the official application portal for the Future of Work Reporting Fellowship.

• $5,000 stipend for project completion
• $1,500 expense budget for travel, research, and other reporting expenses
• Professional development and editorial support including coaching, editing, and peer learning opportunities from Work Shift editors and New America leaders
• A virtual workshop organized by New America to deepen understanding of the intersection of education, industrial policy, and tech-driven economic development
• Access to expert sources and data resources to support high-quality, informed reporting