Apply for the JSK Fellowship 2026\u201327 at Stanford University. A fully funded nine-month program for mid-career journalists to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of journalism. Applications open October 15 and close December 3, 2025.<\/p>\n
The JSK Fellowship<\/strong> (John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships) at Stanford University<\/strong> is one of the world\u2019s most respected programs for journalists seeking time and space to innovate, reflect, and grow as leaders. Each year, a select group of accomplished professionals spends nine months in residence at Stanford to reimagine the future of journalism and strengthen its role in democratic societies.<\/p>\n The program offers an academic year free from newsroom deadlines, allowing fellows to explore ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and design practical solutions for the evolving media landscape. By engaging with Stanford\u2019s world-class faculty, researchers, and creative community, participants gain fresh perspectives on technology, communication, and leadership in journalism.<\/p>\n If you are exploring other professional development options, visit our Fellowships directory<\/a><\/strong> to discover additional international opportunities.<\/p>\n Every fellow tailors their learning plan to their unique goals and professional interests. Areas of exploration may include:<\/p>\n Reinventing newsroom models and workflows.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Designing sustainable journalism ventures or digital platforms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Experimenting with storytelling formats, AI, or data-driven tools.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strengthening coverage on underrepresented communities and emerging global issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The JSK program<\/strong> emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation. Fellows work closely with Stanford faculty, JSK directors, and visiting mentors to refine their ideas and develop leadership practices that can be implemented after the program. The experience is both highly individualized and deeply collaborative, fostering peer learning within a global cohort of media innovators.<\/p>\n Applications are open to journalists and media professionals with at least five years of professional experience<\/strong>. A university degree is not required<\/strong>. JSK welcomes reporters, editors, producers, photojournalists, media entrepreneurs, and those working on journalism-focused innovation.<\/p>\n The program is not open to:<\/strong><\/p>\n Degree-seeking students<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Professionals working in public relations, corporate communications, or government information offices<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Full-time academics or those seeking research degrees<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Applicants should demonstrate an ability to collaborate respectfully with colleagues from diverse ideological, cultural, and professional backgrounds. The selection committee values curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to advancing the public mission of journalism.<\/p>\n The JSK Fellowship<\/strong> is a fully funded opportunity that provides fellows with both financial and academic resources to focus entirely on professional growth. Benefits include:<\/p>\n A stipend of $130,000<\/strong> for the nine-month program.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stanford tuition and health insurance<\/strong> for fellows, with an additional health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Individual leadership coaching and tailored workshops designed to strengthen resilience and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Access to Stanford\u2019s courses, lectures, labs, and creative facilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Support for relocation and integration into the Stanford community.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Partners and families are warmly welcomed as part of fellowship life, participating in social and community events organized throughout the academic year.<\/p>\n This is a full-time, in-residence program<\/strong> that runs from September through May<\/strong>. Fellows are expected to:<\/p>\n Dedicate themselves fully to the fellowship experience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Attend weekly seminars and biweekly coaching sessions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Participate in cohort activities and campus events.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Contribute to the learning community by sharing insights, reflections, and research outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In return, participants receive time, guidance, and a supportive environment that allows them to grow as thinkers, innovators, and changemakers in journalism.<\/p>\n Applications open:<\/strong> October 15, 2025 (1:00 p.m. Pacific Time)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Application deadline:<\/strong> December 3, 2025 (1:00 p.m. Pacific Time)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interviews:<\/strong> Early 2026 (via Zoom)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Program dates:<\/strong> September 2026 \u2013 May 2027<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n JSK directors will also host live application webinars<\/strong> on October 30 and November 12, 2025, providing insights into the process and guidance for preparing strong applications.<\/p>\n To apply, candidates must create an account on SurveyMonkey Apply<\/a><\/strong> and complete the online form. The process includes questions about your professional journey, goals for the program, and potential contributions to the JSK cohort.<\/p>\n Applicants should prepare the following materials:<\/p>\n A one-minute video<\/strong> outlining what you hope to be doing in journalism three to five years from now.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A resume or CV<\/strong> detailing relevant experience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n One work sample<\/strong> showcasing professional achievements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Contact details for three professional references<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Disclosure of any AI tools<\/strong> used in preparing your application.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Further details can be found on the official JSK Fellowship page<\/a><\/strong>, which includes complete eligibility guidelines, program structure, and tips from past participants.<\/p>\n The JSK Fellowship offers time and space to reflect on why journalism matters and how it can adapt to modern challenges. Fellows return to their communities with renewed purpose, stronger networks, and actionable strategies for leading positive change.<\/p>\n During the program, participants experiment with new storytelling tools, question long-standing assumptions, and collaborate with experts in fields such as design, technology, and business. With access to Stanford\u2019s vast resources, fellows gain the insight needed to translate creative ideas into real-world solutions.<\/p>\n The JSK alumni community<\/strong> extends far beyond the academic year, connecting hundreds of journalists worldwide who continue to advance credible, inclusive, and innovative journalism that builds trust and supports informed societies.<\/p>\n Opening date:<\/strong> October 15, 2025 \u2013 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Deadline:<\/strong> December 3, 2025 \u2013 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Application portal:<\/strong> https:\/\/jsk.smapply.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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