Entries Open: Ed Bradley Journalism Fellowship (United States)

The New York University Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, in partnership with the Dow Jones News Fund, offers the Ed Bradley Fellowship for a one-week intensive summer workshop in 2026. The program aims to increase the representation of African-American males in newsrooms by providing mentorship, hands-on training, and networking opportunities for U.S. college students who have completed their freshman year by summer 2025.

Overview of the Fellowship

The Ed Bradley Fellowship addresses the under-representation of African-American males in journalism while promoting diversity and inclusion across newsrooms. The program brings together a select cohort of college students to receive training, mentorship, and guidance from leading journalists and newsroom executives.

The fellowship emphasizes practical skills, awareness of systemic disparities, and the importance of support from diverse allies in shaping inclusive media environments.

Program Highlights

• Intensive one-week summer workshop in June 2026

• Hands-on journalism training, including reporting, writing, and newsroom practices

• Mentorship from experienced journalists and newsroom executives

• Networking opportunities with professionals from organizations such as The New York Times, CNN, Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN, Slate, CBS New York, ProPublica, MSNBC, and NBC News

• Focus on promoting representation, inclusion, and equity in media

Who is Eligible?

• U.S. college students who have completed their freshman year by summer 2025

• Students of all backgrounds who support the mission to increase the representation of Black males in journalism

• Competitive selection: 20 students will be chosen from the applicant pool

Funding and Support

• Program instruction, housing, meals, and transportation are fully covered

• Fellowship ensures economic diversity among participants by removing financial barriers

Why It Matters

• Tackles the systemic under-representation of African-American males in journalism

• Provides mentorship and networking essential for career development

• Offers hands-on experience to prepare students for meaningful careers in media

• Builds awareness of disparities and inclusive practices in newsrooms

How the Fellowship Works

1. Application Submission: Students apply to be considered for the 2026 cohort.

2. Selection Process: 20 participants are chosen from a competitive pool.

3. Workshop Participation: Students attend a one-week intensive program in June 2026, receiving instruction, mentorship, and practical journalism experience.

4. Post-Workshop Opportunities: Participants gain networking and career development connections to support entry into newsrooms.

Common Tips for Applicants

• Highlight interest in diversity and inclusion in journalism.

• Demonstrate commitment to hands-on learning and career development in media.

• Include any prior reporting or writing experience, even if informal, to showcase potential.

• Emphasize engagement with the mission to increase representation in newsrooms.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Ed Bradley Fellowship? U.S. college students who have completed their freshman year by summer 2025.
2. How many students are selected? 20 students will be chosen for the 2026 cohort.
3. Are costs covered? Yes, instruction, housing, meals, and transportation are fully provided.
4. Can students of any background apply? Yes, the program is open to all students committed to increasing representation of Black males in journalism.
5. When does the workshop take place? June 2026.
6. Which organizations provide mentorship? Leading journalists and executives from organizations including The New York Times, CNN, Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN, Slate, CBS New York, ProPublica, MSNBC, and NBC News.
7. What is the focus of the fellowship? Hands-on journalism training, mentorship, networking, and promoting newsroom diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

The Ed Bradley Fellowship 2026 provides an elite, hands-on training experience for college students committed to addressing systemic under-representation in journalism. By combining mentorship, practical skills, and networking, the program prepares students for impactful careers while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in newsrooms across the U.S.