Applications are now open for the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI) Public Health Reporting Fellowship 2025, a prestigious opportunity designed to support mid-career journalists interested in reporting on public health issues. This fellowship, launched in collaboration with the Common Health Coalition and the NPCJI, offers up to $7,500 in funding to each of five selected journalists. The fellowship is intended to help cover the costs associated with significant reporting projects that explore the intersection of public health policy and healthcare delivery. The goal is to address critical health issues and contribute to public understanding through high-quality journalism.
Overview of the Public Health Reporting Fellowship
The Public Health Reporting Fellowship is designed to support journalists with at least 10 years of professional experience who are committed to producing a comprehensive reporting project on a public health issue. This could involve tackling health policy topics, healthcare system dynamics, access to care, or any other area that impacts public health, especially at the community, regional, state, or national levels.
The fellowship is being supported by the Common Health Coalition, a leading network of healthcare organizations working toward a unified health system. The Coalition has invested $50,000 to establish the fellowship program and empower journalists to delve into complex public health topics.
Fellows will be expected to produce their reporting projects, which will be published or distributed by July 2025. This support offers an invaluable opportunity to contribute impactful work that resonates across a broad audience, particularly through NPCJI’s extensive networks and partner platforms.
Fellowship Benefits
- Funding for Reporting Projects
Each selected fellow will receive up to $7,500 in funding. This financial support is intended to cover reporting-related expenses such as travel costs, data collection, research, and other resources essential for completing the project. Fellows can use this funding to execute their project effectively, whether it is a written report, digital content, a podcast, video, or broadcast piece.
- Mentorship and Guidance
Throughout the fellowship, journalists will receive guidance and mentorship from experts in both public health and journalism. These mentors will help fellows navigate complex public health issues, provide advice on research and data analysis, and offer practical insights to enhance the quality of their work.
- Training and Resources
Fellows will attend a half-day virtual orientation to help them build a strong understanding of public health topics, data analysis, and the resources available for their reporting. This session will cover key issues such as public health policy, healthcare delivery systems, and essential data sources that will be valuable for their projects.
- Ongoing Learning and Checkpoints
Fellows will participate in monthly virtual checkpoints with experts and other fellows to track progress, discuss challenges, and share valuable resources. This ongoing support will help fellows refine their reporting projects and stay informed about the latest developments in public health.
- Public Knowledge Sharing
At the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows will be asked to share their findings and experiences during a publicly available knowledge-sharing webinar. This session will provide valuable insights for other health reporters, focusing on the “how-to” of producing impactful public health journalism. Fellows will describe their approach to the reporting process, the sources they consulted, and lessons learned along the way.
Eligibility Criteria
The Public Health Reporting Fellowship is open to journalists who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Professional Experience
Applicants must be U.S.-based journalists with at least 10 years of professional experience in journalism. This experience can be in print, digital, audio, visual, or broadcast media. The fellowship is geared toward mid-career journalists with substantial experience in reporting, editing, or producing content in a professional setting.
- Commitment to a Reporting Project
Applicants should be committed to undertaking a large-scale reporting project focused on public health. The project can take any form—print, digital, audio, visual, or broadcast—but must delve deeply into a public health issue. The focus should be on creating significant impact, informing the public, and shedding light on critical issues.
- Project Proposal
Applicants must submit a 2-3 page proposal detailing their intended public health reporting project. This proposal should outline:
– The topic of the project and why it is significant for public health policy or healthcare delivery.
– The research that has already been conducted on the topic.
– The approach to the project, including who will be interviewed, how additional sources will be found, and the methodology that will be used.
– The final publication or distribution outlet for the project, including confirmation of where it will be published or aired.
– A budget breakdown, detailing the costs for travel, reporting expenses, and any other necessary resources.
The proposal should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to carry out the project successfully, including the use of existing knowledge, resources, and expertise.
- Letters of Support
– For newsroom staff: Applicants who are employed by a newsroom must submit a letter of support from their supervisor or editor. This letter should confirm that the newsroom will allow the applicant to participate in the fellowship and publish the final project.
– For freelancers: Freelance journalists must provide confirmation of support from the news outlet(s) where they intend to publish or distribute their work. This confirmation ensures that the applicant has a viable platform for their project once completed.
Fellowship Timeline
The fellowship runs from February to July 2025, giving fellows six months to complete and publish their reporting projects. The timeline includes:
– February 2025: Virtual orientation session for fellows, including training on public health issues and data resources.
– March to June 2025: Fellows will work on their projects with monthly virtual checkpoints to provide updates and receive feedback from mentors and peers.
– July 2025: The completed project must be published or distributed. Fellows will also participate in a public knowledge-sharing webinar to discuss their project and experiences.
How to Apply
To apply for the NPCJI/CHC Public Health Reporting Fellowship 2025, applicants should submit the following materials:
- A 2-3 page proposal outlining the public health reporting project, including research and a budget.
- A CV highlighting relevant experience.
- For newsroom staff: A letter of support from a supervisor or editor.
- For freelancers: Confirmation of support from the news outlet(s) where the work will be published.
Applications must be submitted by the designated deadline, and selected fellows will be notified shortly thereafter.
The NPCJI/CHC Public Health Reporting Fellowship 2025 offers an incredible opportunity for experienced journalists to make a meaningful contribution to public health reporting. With the support of mentorship, training, funding, and a dedicated network, fellows will have the resources necessary to produce high-impact work that informs the public and drives conversations around critical health issues.
Journalists with at least 10 years of experience who are eager to take on a major public health reporting project should apply for this fellowship. With the fellowship’s backing, you can pursue ambitious journalism that engages communities, influences policy, and raises awareness of important public health matters. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this impactful initiative.
Apply through the link below:
