Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowship

The Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowship, offered by The 19th, is a prestigious, yearlong program designed to foster the growth and advancement of journalism professionals who are alumni or former students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The 19th, an independent nonprofit newsroom focused on gender, politics, policy, and power, established this fellowship in 2022 to honor the legacy of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a pioneering African American journalist, abolitionist, and suffragist. Named in her honor, the fellowship reflects The 19th’s commitment to equity, representation, and journalistic excellence. The program offers five fellowship tracks—reporting, audience engagement, news product, development, and newly introduced in 2026, a development track focused on nonprofit fundraising and strategy. Each fellow is embedded within their respective department and receives full-time pay and benefits while gaining hands-on experience and mentorship. The 19th ensures a comprehensive learning environment through an in-depth training curriculum that includes workshops on trauma-informed reporting, professional networking, salary negotiation, and mental wellness. These workshops are supplemented by one-on-one coaching and access to industry professionals, culminating in a robust professional development journey tailored to each fellow’s career path. Each track provides distinct experiences. Reporting fellows focus on gender, politics, and policy through investigative storytelling and original reporting. Audience engagement fellows learn to produce platform-specific content and expand audience reach, particularly on Instagram and newsletters. Product fellows delve into user research, product development, and analytics across The 19th’s platforms. The development fellow role, new in 2026, is geared toward candidates with some nonprofit, campaign, or fundraising background and provides hands-on experience in donor engagement, membership campaigns, and strategic storytelling essential to revenue generation in nonprofit journalism. Fellows are eligible if they are recent graduates (within two years), early-career (3–4 years’ experience), or mid-career (5–10 years) HBCU alumni, or attended an HBCU for at least two years. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong alignment with The 19th’s mission and values, and possess some relevant experience in their chosen track. The application process includes a cover letter, résumé, and work samples, due by March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Virtual information sessions are also offered to guide applicants through the process. Fellows participate in four retreats: an opening retreat (with a 19th event), a midyear retreat in Philadelphia, an all-staff retreat in the spring, and a final celebration in the fall. They receive numerous benefits including a $1,500 merit bonus, a $1,000 professional development stipend, up to $960 in wellness and WFH stipends, and a $100/month co-working membership. Fellows also receive a MacBook to keep, access to a hardship fund of up to $5,000, NABJ membership and convention attendance, and ongoing support from URL Media for post-fellowship career placement. This is a competitive and impactful opportunity for individuals passionate about journalism and public service. The fellowship not only nurtures fellows’ individual growth but also contributes to diversifying the journalism workforce, ensuring a more equitable and representative media landscape. All applications and inquiries should be directed to [email protected]. Additional program details, including FAQs and past fellow projects, are available on The 19th’s official website. Selected fellows will begin their term in September 2026.

Attend an info session for practical tips; align your application with The 19th’s mission and values.