The California Local News Fellowship is a state-funded initiative designed to strengthen local reporting in California, with a specific focus on underserved communities. This fellowship is targeted at early-career journalists with up to five years of experience, offering them a paid, full-time opportunity to work in California newsrooms. The fellowship lasts for two years, beginning in September 2025. The program is open to journalists working across all forms of media, including digital, print, video, audio, photo, and multimedia formats.
The fellowship aims to enhance the skills of emerging journalists while providing them with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to local journalism. Applicants must demonstrate strong reporting skills, a commitment to a journalism career, and an interest in reporting on issues affecting underserved communities. The fellowship is specifically designed for individuals who possess relevant experience or education in journalism.
The application period for the 2025-2027 fellowship cohort opens on January 22, 2025, and closes at 6 p.m. PST on February 21, 2025. The selection process includes several key steps, beginning with the completion of the employment application on the University of California’s AP Recruit portal and followed by the submission of an application via Submittable. Two optional informational sessions are available during the application period, offering applicants the chance to learn more about the program and the application process.
The fellowship’s timeline includes the announcement of finalists in late March 2025, with interviews for fellows and newsrooms scheduled for April 2025. Matching offers will be extended in May 2025, and the fellowship officially begins with orientation in early September 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to attend the optional Q&A session on February 13, 2025, at 12 pm PST to gain more insight into the program. Further details and FAQs can be accessed via the fellowship’s official website, and for any direct inquiries, applicants can contact the fellowship team at CAfellows@berkeley.edu.
