StoryReach U.S. Fellowships

The Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship is a reporting and engagement accelerator designed for local and regional reporters who value collaboration and audience engagement as much as impactful, enterprise journalism. Through this program, Fellows co-create innovative reporting projects that connect deeply with communities across the U.S. Midwest.

Each year, eight to nine Fellows are selected to join a yearlong, part-time Fellowship that combines funding, training, peer support, and hands-on guidance to strengthen both storytelling and audience engagement. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside other journalists and the Pulitzer Center team on groundbreaking journalism that resonates.

Eligibility

• Open to freelance and staff reporters based at local or regional news outlets in one of the following 12 U.S. Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
• Applicants should have at least three years of experience in investigative or enterprise reporting.
• Experience in audience engagement or newsroom support for creative outreach strategies is strongly preferred.
• Applicants must propose a well-researched, concrete reporting project with a defined engagement strategy.
• A letter of commitment or interest from a media organization (host newsroom) is required.

Fellowship Award

• Duration: 12 months, part-time
• Fellowship Support: Up to $30,000 in funding
• Up to one-third of the funds may be used for salaries or stipends
• Remainder to be allocated toward reporting expenses and audience engagement activities

Fellows will receive

• Reporting and outreach support
• Exclusive training opportunities
• Access to data and research tools
• Peer-learning and virtual community gatherings

How to apply

The deadline for applications is May 01, 2025. To learn more and apply, please click here.