Are you a journalist eager to step back from the daily grind and reimagine the future of journalism? The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University offer you a unique opportunity to do just that!
The JSK Fellowships is more than time away from the newsroom and daily deadlines. It’s a chance to rediscover why journalism matters and how you can help shape its future. With JSK, you’ll find the space, community and courage to think boldly, act with purpose, and return to the world renewed.
What’s the Fellowship All About?
For nine transformative months, you’ll immerse yourself in Stanford’s vibrant academic environment, focusing on becoming a more effective and resilient leader in the ever-evolving field of journalism. This fellowship is your chance to explore bold ideas, experiment with innovative approaches, and strengthen journalism’s vital role in fostering informed democratic communities.
Tailor Your Journey
Each fellow gets to choose their own focus! Whether you want to:
- Enhance specific professional skills
- Tackle challenges in your news organization or community
- Develop ideas for a new venture
- Deepen your expertise in a particular topic
The possibilities are limitless!
Why Join the JSK Fellowship?
As a JSK Fellow, you’ll receive:
- Financial Support: A generous stipend of $130,000 for the nine-month duration.
- Full Access: Dive into Stanford’s rich intellectual and creative ecosystem.
- Customized Learning: Enjoy individual coaching and tailored workshops that enhance your leadership skills.
- Global Network: Join a lifelong alumni network of hundreds of journalists around the world, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing long after your fellowship ends.
Who Can Apply?
Passionate journalists with at least five years of professional experience. Whether you’re working in a news organization, freelancing, or innovating in journalism, we welcome your application! Note: This fellowship is not open to individuals seeking degrees, those in public relations, or full-time academics.
What’s Expected of You?
As a JSK Fellow, you’ll commit full-time to the fellowship experience, which includes:
- In-residence Requirement: Be at Stanford from September through May.
- Active Participation: Attend weekly cohort meetings, biweekly coaching sessions, and various events throughout the year.
- Public Sharing: Share your insights and reflections with the community.
Application Process
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Here’s how to apply:
- Register for an account on SurveyMonkey Apply.
- Complete the Online Application: Share your career journey, contributions to the JSK cohort, and how this fellowship aligns with your goals.
- Submit Supporting Materials: Include a one-minute video, your resume, a work sample, and references.
- Disclose AI Use: Let us know if you used any AI tools in preparing your application.
Important Dates
Join our application webinars to learn more:
- October 30, 2025 at 4 PM PT
- November 12, 2025 at 9 AM PT
Apply by November 14, 2025, and take your journalism career to the next level!
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you believe your best work is yet to come and you’re excited to be a catalyst for change in journalism, we invite you to apply! Together, we can strengthen journalism, deepen trust, and build a more resilient democracy.
Don’t miss this chance to rediscover why journalism matters and how you can play a pivotal role in shaping its future!
Supporting materials
One minute video describing what you want to be doing in journalism three to five years from now.
Your resume.
One work sample.
Contact information for three professional references.
