The Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) Addressing Health Disparities Fellowship 2026 is a year-long program for seven selected U.S. newsrooms focused on reducing health disparities within Latino communities. Participating organizations receive a $14,000 grant, which includes a travel stipend for a 2027 journalism conference. The fellowship provides professional coaching on the “four pillars” of solutions journalism, monthly cohort collaboration, and training in community engagement. Eligible newsrooms must demonstrate a track record of reporting on Latino issues and a commitment to producing at least one solutions-oriented story per month while measuring the impact of their reporting on local health systems and social conditions.
Solutions Journalism Network Health Disparities Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) |
| Fellowship Focus | Latino Health Disparities |
| Number of Awards | 7 Newsrooms |
| Grant Amount | $14,000 (includes travel stipend) |
| Duration | One Year (2026) |
| Application Deadline | January 16, 2026 |
Solutions Journalism Network Health Disparities Fellowship 2026
The SJN fellowship operates through a tiered support system designed to move newsrooms from basic awareness to advanced implementation of solutions-based reporting.
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Benefits of the Solutions Journalism Network Health Disparities Fellowship 2026
Tier 1: High-Impact Reporting & Financial Award (Up to $14,000)
- Direct Grant Funding: Each of the seven newsrooms receives $14,000 to cover the costs of enterprise reporting, production, and professional travel to a 2027 journalism conference.
- Enterprise Story Production: Support for deep-dive reporting that investigates responses to health inequities, focusing on education, economics, and environmental factors.
Tier 2: Professional Development & Community of Practice
- Expert Coaching: Monthly 1:1 coaching calls and cohort meetings led by SJN trainers to refine the “solutions lens” in healthcare coverage.
- Peer Learning: An “all teach, all learn” environment where Latino-serving newsrooms share insights, challenges, and successful engagement strategies.
Tier 3: Foundation & Workflow Integration
- Curriculum Access: Training on how to engage communities differently and incorporate solutions journalism into daily workflows.
- Impact Measurement: Guidance on using specific metrics to reflect on newsroom progress and the tangible impact of stories on the community.
Eligibility Requirements for Solutions Journalism Network Health Disparities Fellowship 2026
Addressing Health Disparities Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Newsroom leaders and editors must show a willingness to guide the production of solutions journalism. No prior experience in solutions journalism is required, but a commitment to the methodology is mandatory.
- Study Status (Newsroom Profile): Open to newsrooms of any size and format (print, digital, broadcast) with a proven track record of original reporting on Latino issues and communities.
- Visa Status/Location: While not explicitly restricted by visa, the focus is strictly on health disparities affecting Latino communities within the United States.
- Program Admission: Candidates must have the capacity to produce at least one enterprise story per month and participate in mandatory monthly cohort meetings and coaching calls throughout the year.
How to Apply for SJN Addressing Health Disparities Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Project Proposal: Outline your newsroom’s plan for covering Latino health disparities and identify potential solutions-oriented stories.
- Demonstrate Track Record: Provide samples of previous original reporting that show deep engagement with Latino communities and health topics.
- Commitment Statement: Secure a written commitment from newsroom leadership to participate in the year-long coaching and monthly cohort sessions.
- Online Submission: Complete the official application form on the Solutions Journalism Network portal before the January deadline.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need prior experience in solutions journalism to apply?
No, the minimum requirement is a willingness to learn. SJN provides all the necessary training and coaching to implement the methodology.
2. Can independent journalists apply?
The fellowship is specifically designed for newsrooms (organizations), though small or micro-newsrooms are eligible if they have the capacity to meet the reporting requirements.
3. What is the total value of the grant?
Each selected newsroom receives $14,000, which is intended to cover reporting costs and a travel stipend for a 2027 conference.
4. How many newsrooms will be selected?
A total of seven (7) newsrooms will be chosen for the 2026 cohort.
5. What are the monthly reporting requirements?
Newsrooms are generally expected to produce at least one solutions journalism story per month throughout the fellowship.
6. Are there specific health topics we must cover?
The focus must be on disparities affecting Latino communities, including the influence of education, economics, race, and the environment on health outcomes.
7. What does “all teach, all learn” mean?
It means that while SJN provides trainers, they expect newsrooms to share their own experiences and insights with their peers in the cohort.
8. Is this fellowship available for international newsrooms?
The program specifically addresses health disparities in Latino communities in the United States.
9. What is “Solutions Journalism”?
It is rigorous, evidence-based reporting on responses to social problems, looking at how people are trying to solve issues rather than just the problems themselves.
10. When is the final deadline?
The application window closes on January 16, 2026. Late applications are generally not considered.
