The National Press Foundation is offering a specialized journalism fellowship focused on workplace mental health. This two-day in-person training will be held in Washington, D.C., on May 21–22, 2025. The fellowship is designed to equip journalists with the tools, expertise, and insights necessary to report deeply and accurately on mental health in the workplace. With increasing attention on this subject amid evolving economic and cultural dynamics, the program offers timely professional development for reporters exploring the intersection of mental health, organizational practices, and employee wellbeing.
The program aims to encourage comprehensive and nuanced coverage of mental health issues at work, including advancements in treatment, organizational challenges, and cultural attitudes. Through expert-led sessions, participating journalists will engage with professionals in organizational psychology, human resources, and award-winning journalists. A key event of the program includes attendance at the Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health Reporting reception, offering fellows an opportunity to connect with peers and gain perspective from leaders in the field.
The fellowship covers all major expenses including airfare, hotel accommodations, and some meals, eliminating financial barriers to participation. Journalists from all mediums—print, digital, audio, and broadcast—are welcome to apply. However, the program is limited to U.S.-based reporters, and participation in all sessions is mandatory. Editors must guarantee that fellows will be released from daily newsroom duties during the conference.
Applicants are especially encouraged from diverse backgrounds, including journalists of color, those covering underserved or marginalized communities, and reporters from local or nonprofit news organizations. While the mental health of journalists is acknowledged as an important topic, this particular fellowship centers on coverage of mental health issues affecting the general workforce rather than newsroom-specific concerns.
Applications are due by April 13, 2025, and must be submitted online. Selection is competitive and applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in workplace mental health reporting. The fellowship is sponsored by the Luv U Project, with the American Psychological Association serving as an associate sponsor. The National Press Foundation retains full editorial control over program content.
