Harper Fellowship 2026–2027 at The 19th for Emerging Journalists

The Harper Fellowship 2026–2027 at The 19th is now accepting applications from emerging journalists interested in developing their careers in reporting, audience engagement, news product development, and nonprofit media leadership. The Harper Fellowship application deadline is March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST, and the program offers a year-long salaried fellowship with full benefits and extensive professional development opportunities.

About the Harper Fellowship Program

The Harper Fellowship at The 19th is a prestigious journalism fellowship named after Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, widely recognized as the “mother of African-American journalism.” The program was launched in 2022 to create meaningful opportunities for graduates and alumni connected to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to gain experience in nonprofit journalism.

Through the Harper Fellowship program, selected fellows spend a full year working with The 19th’s editorial, product, audience engagement, and development teams. Fellows are embedded in their respective departments and contribute to meaningful journalism projects while gaining hands-on newsroom experience.

The Harper Fellowship focuses on strengthening diversity in journalism while providing fellows with mentorship, professional training, and career guidance that supports their long-term success in the media industry.

Harper Fellowship Tracks and Learning Areas

The Harper Fellowship program includes several fellowship tracks that allow participants to specialize in different areas of journalism and media operations.

The fellowship tracks include:

• Reporting
• Audience engagement
• News product
• Development (new track)

Reporting Track

Fellows in the reporting track gain experience covering stories through in-depth reporting and investigative work. Participants work closely with editors and journalists to produce original reporting that focuses on the intersection of gender, politics, and policy.

Reporting fellows are encouraged to develop their own story ideas, collaborate with newsroom teams, and experiment with storytelling across digital platforms.

Audience Engagement Track

The audience engagement track focuses on helping fellows develop skills in digital storytelling and audience-centered journalism. Participants learn how to distribute journalism across multiple platforms such as websites, social media, newsletters, and search engines.

This track also involves creating engaging social media content and collaborating with editorial and creative teams to produce compelling headlines, visuals, and storytelling formats.

News Product Track

The Harper Fellowship news product track introduces fellows to product design and innovation in journalism. Participants learn how to develop features and digital tools that improve audience experience and support newsroom goals.

Fellows work with product and technology teams to test ideas, analyze user feedback, and contribute to the development of journalism products such as newsletters, digital platforms, and audience engagement tools.

Development Track

The newly introduced Harper Fellowship development track focuses on the business and fundraising side of nonprofit journalism. Fellows gain hands-on experience in donor engagement, membership campaigns, and fundraising strategy.

Participants also learn how nonprofit news organizations sustain independent journalism through diversified revenue models and community support.

Benefits of the Harper Fellowship

The Harper Fellowship provides a comprehensive support system designed to help fellows build long-term careers in journalism.

Key benefits include:

• A full-time salaried fellowship with benefits
• One year of mentorship and professional development
• Career coaching and job placement support
• Networking opportunities with media professionals
• Membership in the National Association of Black Journalists
• Attendance at the NABJ convention and career fair
• Access to journalism training workshops and seminars
• A professional development stipend
• A work-from-home stipend and wellness stipend
• An Apple MacBook laptop provided for the fellowship year

These resources ensure fellows receive both financial and professional support throughout the program.

Harper Fellowship Professional Development

A major component of the Harper Fellowship program is its strong emphasis on professional growth.

Fellows participate in training workshops and development sessions covering topics such as:

• Networking and career advancement
• Salary negotiation
• Resume and portfolio building
• Mental health and burnout prevention
• Financial literacy
• Media industry insights from experienced journalists

The program also includes career coaching and mentorship to help fellows transition successfully into long-term journalism careers after completing the fellowship.

Harper Fellowship Retreats and Networking

The Harper Fellowship experience includes several retreats and networking events designed to connect fellows with media professionals and industry leaders.

The fellowship year begins with an opening retreat that introduces new fellows to the program and provides opportunities to connect with previous fellowship cohorts.

Midway through the fellowship, participants attend a career development retreat focused on networking and preparing for future opportunities in journalism.

Fellows also attend an annual staff retreat with The 19th team, allowing them to engage in strategic discussions, professional learning sessions, and collaborative activities.

These events help fellows build meaningful professional relationships and expand their journalism networks.

How to Apply for the Harper Fellowship

Applicants interested in the Harper Fellowship 2026–2027 must submit an application through The 19th’s official application platform.

The application typically requires:

1. A cover letter explaining interest in the fellowship and career goals
2. A resume outlining relevant experience
3. Work samples demonstrating journalism or related skills

Applicants should clearly describe how the Harper Fellowship aligns with their career aspirations and how they plan to contribute to public-service journalism.

APPLY HERE

Deadline

Applications for the Harper Fellowship 2026–2027 must be submitted before the official deadline.

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 (5:00 p.m. PST)

Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Final Note

The Harper Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for emerging journalists to gain hands-on newsroom experience while working alongside experienced media professionals. Through mentorship, professional training, and networking opportunities, the program equips fellows with the tools they need to build impactful careers in journalism.

For individuals passionate about storytelling, public-service journalism, and media innovation, the Harper Fellowship can serve as a powerful launchpad for a long-term career in the industry.

For more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and leadership programs, click here.