The Capital Reporting Fellowship, offered by States Newsroom, is a full-time summer opportunity designed to support aspiring journalists in developing professional reporting experience focused on state-level public policy. This fellowship provides financial compensation, hands-on mentorship, and extensive professional development aimed at equipping fellows with the tools to hold elected officials accountable and to amplify underrepresented voices in state policy reporting.
Fellows will work 40 hours per week throughout the summer—typically May through August—covering key policy areas such as education, health care, and criminal justice. Compensation is provided at a rate of $20 per hour, and a modest housing assistance stipend may be negotiated depending on need. In addition to financial support, fellows will receive one-on-one mentoring from a national editor, participate in weekly professional development sessions, and benefit from portfolio enhancement opportunities and year-long coaching beyond the fellowship period.
Eligibility for the Capital Reporting Fellowship is open to currently enrolled juniors and seniors or recent graduates from accredited colleges or universities. While preference is given to students majoring in journalism, communications, or broadcasting, individuals from other academic disciplines may be considered. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and visa sponsorship is not available.
The program encourages applications from individuals with backgrounds historically underrepresented in journalism, including but not limited to women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, first-generation college students, and people with disabilities. The fellowship aims to address longstanding structural inequities within the journalism field by creating a supportive, inclusive, and skill-building environment for those entering the profession.
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume or CV with references, and a portfolio showcasing previously published work. These materials should be emailed to jobs@statesnewsroom.com with “Capital Reporting Fellowship” in the subject line. The deadline for submission is October 1 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Questions may be directed to fellows@statesnewsroom.com.
