HEAL Fellowship (2025)

• Eligibility Criteria: Open to U.S.-based journalists interested in reporting on youth mental health issues and solutions. Applicants must submit a project proposal that demonstrates a strong equity component and aligns with the four HEAL criteria: Help, Expand, Assess, and Learn. Both freelance and staff journalists are eligible to apply.
• Type of Funding: Fellowship
• Target Region: United States
• Application Language: English

Objectives

• Support U.S. journalists in producing rigorous, solutions-focused reporting on youth mental health.
• Amplify access to quality journalism addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, racism, neglect, and loneliness.
• Assess the impact of solutions journalism and community engagement in the mental health field.
• Foster learning and peer exchange among journalists covering youth mental health.

Project Themes

• Solutions and innovations addressing youth mental health challenges.
• Equity-driven approaches to reporting on mental health disparities.
• Community engagement in solutions journalism.
• Expanding access to mental health reporting among young audiences.

Financial Support: Up to $5,000, proportional to the scope of the fellow’s project.

Membership in a global network of solutions journalism fellows for collaboration and peer support.
Access to exclusive professional development sessions on storytelling, engagement, fundraising, and equity.
Mentorship and guidance from Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) staff and partners.
Timeline:

Deadline: November 17, 2025

See here to learn more and apply

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