MJ Bear Fellowship 2025

The MJ Bear Fellowship honors young, creative, and ambitious journalists under the age of 30 from around the world. The fellowship offers professional development, mentoring, and the opportunity to attend the Online News Association (ONA) Conference in New Orleans from September 10–13, 2025. While projects on AI, climate, and resilience are especially encouraged this year in line with ONA25’s focus, applications are welcome on any topic.

Objectives

• Support the professional growth of early-career journalists through mentorship and skills development.
• Offer fellows international exposure and networking at ONA25.
• Recognize innovative projects, experiments, or ideas in journalism from emerging media professionals.
• Encourage reporting that addresses timely and critical issues with creativity and impact.

Eligibility

• Open to working journalists under the age of 30 from anywhere in the world.
• Applicants must not be full-time students.
• Applications must be submitted in English.

Deadline: June 22, 2025
For more information and to apply, please click here.