Opportunity:  Altavoz Lab Community Journalist Fellowship 2026

Altavoz Lab has opened applications for the 2026 Community Journalist Fellowship, a seven-month program designed to empower local journalists serving communities historically marginalized or overlooked by mainstream media. The fellowship supports reporters rooted in their communities, working to uplift local voices and strengthen accountability through impactful storytelling.

About the Fellowship

Launching in April 2026, the program brings together a cohort of community-based journalists — freelancers or newsroom staff — reporting in English or Spanish. Fellows will receive up to $8,000 to produce an in-depth reporting project or series. Participating newsrooms will also receive up to $3,000 to deepen audience engagement beyond social media.

The fellowship is built for storytellers who live and work in communities with low civic participation, including borderland regions of AZ, NM, CA, TX, and states such as AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, PA, VA, WV, KS, OK, IL, as well as Puerto Rico.

Altavoz Lab centers journalists committed to community-driven narratives, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative journalism. Reporters from underrepresented racial, social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Key Benefits

• Up to $8,000 reporting stipend
• Up to $3,000 newsroom engagement support
• Mentorship from experienced journalists
• Audience engagement coaching
• Monthly workshops, training, and a co-learning environment
• Optional editorial support (editing, translation, fact-checking)
• National community of fellows and peer support
• Publication of the final story on AltavozLab.com

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be freelancers or staff journalists reporting for community-based outlets
• Live in the community they intend to cover
• Serve underrepresented or historically disinvested communities
• Work in English, Spanish, or both
• Submit:
  • A budget for reporting + engagement
  • Resume and headshot
  • Contact of one professional reference
  • Signed editor consent form
  • 30-minute interview if shortlisted

Altavoz alumni may reapply but not in consecutive years.

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Important Dates

• Applications Open: January 16, 2026
• Webinar: Feb. 6, 2026 — 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT (English/Spanish)
• Deadline: Feb. 16, 2026, 11:59 PM PT
• Finalist Interviews: Week of March 10, 2026
• Program Start: April 6–7, 2026 (Spanish/English cohorts)
• Story Deadline: Oct. 30, 2026

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Fellowship Expectations

• Credit Altavoz Lab in all fellowship-related work
• Attend all monthly cohort meetings & training sessions
• Meet regularly with mentor and engagement coach
• Submit progress updates, engagement data & impact surveys
• Allow Altavoz Lab to publish your story and related materials

Newsrooms are encouraged to engage actively and may receive additional editorial support.

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What Altavoz Lab Provides

• Story-aligned mentorship
• Audience engagement strategy and coaching
• Editorial support (as needed)
• Cross-country journalist community
• A creative, collaborative learning space
• Publication on AltavozLab.com

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How to Apply

Submit your full application, including required documents and budget, through the link below.

Apply Here
Register for the Webinar

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