The Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowship, offered by The 19th, is a yearlong, salaried fellowship designed to support recent graduates, mid-career alumni, and former students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the fields of reporting, audience engagement, and product management. Established in 2022, the fellowship honors Harper’s legacy as the "mother of African American journalism" and aims to cultivate diverse voices in media. This fully remote opportunity provides fellows with full benefits, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
The fellowship program includes three tracks: reporting, audience engagement, and product management. Reporting fellows will gain experience covering issues through original reporting and storytelling while centering marginalized voices. Audience engagement fellows will focus on optimizing content for various platforms, including social media and newsletters, and engaging with audiences through interactive projects. Product management fellows will work on user research, website improvements, and technology-driven media solutions.
The 2025-2026 fellowship runs for one year, beginning in October 2025, and includes four in-person retreats, networking opportunities with journalists and hiring managers, professional development stipends, and career coaching. Fellows will also receive one year of membership in the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and attend its annual convention and career fair. The program provides a salary of $70,000–$75,000, along with additional benefits, including a $1,500 merit bonus, $1,000 professional development stipend, a Mac laptop, and access to a hardship fund of up to $5,000.
Eligible applicants must be recent graduates, early-career professionals (3-4 years' experience), or mid-career alumni (5-10 years’ experience) of an HBCU. Graduating seniors (prior to October 2025) and individuals who attended an HBCU for at least two years (even if they did not graduate) may also apply. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (student/work visas are permitted, but the 19th does not provide visa sponsorship). Candidates should have relevant experience in their chosen track and align with The 19th’s mission and values.
Applications are due by March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. Required materials include a cover letter, résumé, and relevant work samples. The application must be submitted online. Interested candidates can contact jobs@19thnews.org for further inquiries.
