The Allbritton Journalism Institute Reporting Fellowship is a prestigious two-year program in Washington, D.C., designed to train the next generation of political journalists. Working in partnership with the newsroom NOTUS, fellows engage in a four-week intensive skills course followed by hands-on reporting and ongoing seminars. The program offers a competitive annual salary of $60,000. It is open to early-career journalists and career changers who possess U.S. work authorization. The formal training lasts 18 months, with an additional 6-month transition period. Applications for the 2026-2028 cohort close on February 18, 2026.
Allbritton Journalism Institute Reporting Fellowship 2026-2028 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Allbritton Journalism Institute (AJI) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Category | Fellowship / Professional Training |
| Eligible Countries | Applicants with U.S. Work Authorization |
| Reward | $60,000 Annual Salary + Mentorship |
| Application Deadline | February 18, 2026 |
Allbritton Journalism Institute (AJI) Reporting Fellowship 2026 Details
The Allbritton Journalism Institute (AJI) Reporting Fellowship is a premier nonprofit educational initiative aimed at revitalizing political journalism through rigorous training and high-stakes reporting. Based in the heart of Washington, D.C., the fellowship provides a unique bridge between academic study and professional practice by partnering with NOTUS (News of the United States).
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Starting every September, the program immerses a select cohort of reporters in the nuances of D.C. politics. For two years, fellows are not just students but active contributors to the media landscape, receiving the mentorship and platform necessary to transition into top-tier national newsrooms.
Benefits of the Allbritton Journalism Institute Reporting Fellowship 2026-2028
The fellowship follows a structured progression designed to transform passionate individuals into seasoned reporters.
Tier 1: Full Reporting Fellowship ($60,000 Annual Salary)
- Fellows receive a competitive annual salary of $60,000 while working as full-time reporters for NOTUS. This tier covers the primary 18-month educational phase and the 6-month career support phase.
Tier 2: Intensive Professional Training & Mentorship
- Includes a four-week immersion course in journalism ethics, newsgathering, and distribution. Fellows benefit from weekly group critiques and direct one-on-one mentorship from veteran Washington editors.
Tier 3: Career Transition & Placement Support
- After the initial 18 months of formal classwork and reporting, fellows receive specialized support for an additional six months to help them secure high-level reporting roles at major national outlets.
Eligibility Requirements for the Allbritton Journalism Institute Reporting Fellowships 2026-2028
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must demonstrate a passion for journalism and a belief in its critical role in democracy. A keen interest in policy and politics is essential.
- Study Status: Open to recent graduates, early-career journalists, and professionals seeking a career transition into journalism.
- Visa Status: All applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization. AJI does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship.
- Program Admission: Candidates must be prepared to relocate to Washington, D.C., for the full duration of the two-year program starting in September 2026.
How to Apply for the Allbritton Journalism Institute Reporting Fellowship 2026-2028 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Complete the online application via the AJI portal, providing writing samples or relevant work history that demonstrates your interest in journalism.
- Technical Evaluation: Applications are screened for journalistic potential, writing ability, and alignment with AJI’s mission of non-partisan, high-quality reporting.
- Eligibility Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will verify their U.S. work authorization and participate in interviews with AJI and NOTUS staff.
- Notification of Award: Finalists are notified in the spring and invited to join the cohort starting in September 2026.
Application Deadline: February 18, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the annual salary for the AJI Fellowship?
Fellows receive an annual salary of $60,000 for the duration of the program.
2. Do I need a journalism degree to apply?
No, a passion for journalism is required, but actual journalistic experience or a specific degree is not a prerequisite.
3. Where is the fellowship located?
The program is based in Washington, D.C., and requires fellows to be on-site.
4. What is the relationship between AJI and NOTUS?
AJI is the educational organization that trains the fellows, while NOTUS is the newsroom partner where fellows publish their reporting.
5. How long does the fellowship last?
The formal program runs for 18 months, followed by an additional 6 months of career transition support, totaling two years.
6. Does AJI provide visa sponsorship?
No, all applicants must already have U.S. work authorization; AJI does not sponsor employment-based visas.
7. What will I learn during the immersion course?
The initial four-week course covers ethics, newsgathering, writing, and distribution techniques.
8. Is this fellowship only for young people?
No, it is open to recent graduates, early-career reporters, and individuals looking to change careers.
9. What happens after the 18-month program?
Fellows stay for an additional 6 months while receiving support and guidance to find their next reporting role at top-tier outlets.
10. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2026 cohort is February 18, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
