Apply for Just Media’s 2023-2024 Uprising Fellowship

Just Media is a national hub supporting emerging storytellers to cover the justice issues that define our generation. In the current moment, we’re seeing years of grassroots power-building coming to a head — with the uprisings, movements to defund and abolish carceral systems, voting rights restoration for 100,000s of formerly incarcerated people, referendums on DAs, and more.

At the heart of our work, we ask: What if the story being told in the media matched the one being told in the streets? And what if young, directly impacted, movement-aligned writers were the ones to cover it?

We’re excited to announce our 2023-2024 Uprising Fellowship. Through this paid, 6-month cohort program, fellows will receive comprehensive journalism training, mentorship, community building opportunities, and support publishing their writing with partner outlets.

To apply: Complete the brief form on this page by Sunday, January 7th, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Fellowship timeline: The fellowship will run from mid-January 2024 through May 2024.

Who’s eligible: The fellowship is open to emerging writers based in the U.S., ages 18-25, with a relationship to communities impacted by prison and policing issues. Young writers of color and those with firsthand experience with the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our ideal candidate:

  • A junior, senior, recent graduate, or grad students who have prior journalism experience or with a demonstrated interest in storytelling

  • Is between the ages of 18-25

  • Has a relationship to communities impacted by prison and policing issues

  • Has experience writing about and demonstrated interest in criminal justice-related issues

  • Open to growth, feedback and learning

  • Has a passion for community-based reporting practices

  • Demonstrated experience working as part of a team and being a self-starter

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior editorial experience as part of a student or professional newsroom

  • Enrolled in a journalism degree program

  • In alignment or in communication with local or national based movement groups

  • We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities to apply

Fellowship benefits

  • A $1,000 stipend, paid in 2 installments in February and June, in addition to any fees offered by partner publications.*Payment of the final installment is contingent upon successful completion of the program and its deliverables.

  • Comprehensive and sustained political education, editorial training, and mentorship

  • Support publishing writing at local and national partner publications

  • Opportunities to build relationships with grassroots groups, professional mentors, and fellow young writers

  • Access to Just Media’s growing alumni network and reporting resources

Roles and expectations:

  • Participate in weekly Wednesday evening training and regular check-in calls with Just Media staff.

  • Pitch, report, write and publish at least one journalistic article related to the designated reporting spokes.

  • Overall, expect to commit an average of 5-10 hours per week to the fellowship.

Questions? Email tatyana@justmediaproject.org. We encourage folks to get in touch even if you don’t think you meet the guidelines above; we may still be able to connect you with relevant resources or opportunities.