Become a JSK Fellow: Reimagine Journalism + Lead Change

If you’re a journalist ready to step back from day-to-day deadlines and rethink your craft, the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford offers a transformative opportunity. Over nine months, JSK Fellows explore new ideas, build resilience, and design projects to strengthen journalism’s role in democracy.

What the Fellowship Is

• JSK gives journalists space and support to explore, experiment, and grow.
• Fellows spend a full academic year at Stanford (September through May) working on their chosen focus—whether it’s launching a new media venture, developing solutions to newsroom challenges, or deepening subject expertise.
• You join a global cohort of journalists, supported by Stanford’s resources and the JSK alumni network.

 Eligibility & Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Have at least five years of professional journalism experience (internships or student work don’t count).
• Be currently active in journalism—this includes newsroom journalists, independent journalists, innovators or strategists working in media.
• Demonstrate the capacity and mindset to work across ideological differences and collaborate respectfully.

Not eligible:

• Those seeking a degree program
• Public relations / communications professionals
• Government employees, full-time academics, or internal communicators
• Projects that are book-oriented, in-house PR, or driven by start-up accelerator models

Benefits & Support

JSK offers generous support so you can fully focus on growth:

• A stipend of USD 130,000 for the 9‐month fellowship.
• Tuition and Stanford health insurance, with supplement for dependents.
• Coaching, workshops, leadership training, and tailored cohort experiences.
• Practical assistance in finding housing and settling in the Stanford area.
• Membership in a strong global alumni network for continuous connection and collaboration.

Application Timeline & Process

• Applications open: October 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time
• Deadline: December 3, 2025 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time
• What to submit:
  • A 1-minute selfie video explaining where you see your journalism going in 3–5 years
  • Resume or CV
  • One work sample (published work or project)
  • Three professional references
  • Disclosure of any use of AI tools in preparing the application
• Selection: Applications are reviewed in multiple stages; shortlisted candidates may be invited for a Zoom interview.
• Webinars: JSK directors host live webinars (e.g. Oct 30 & Nov 12, 2025) for applicants to ask questions & learn about preparation.

What Fellows Are Expected To Do

• Be in residence at Stanford from September through May; it’s a full‐time commitment.
• Attend weekly cohort meetings, biweekly coaching, and JSK/Stanford events.
• Actively engage with peers, public forums, and share insights from your work.
• Use your time to experiment, prototype, or reimagine journalistic models or ideas.

 Why Apply?

If you’re eager to:

• Step out of your routine and reflect on journalism’s future
• Deepen your leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking
• Gain intellectual, technical, and mentorship resources at Stanford
• Connect with a global cadre of journalists pushing innovation