The 2026–2027 NABJ–Apple News Fellowship is a highly competitive and career-defining opportunity for aspiring journalists who want to work at the cutting edge of digital media. This prestigious program is a collaboration between Apple Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists, designed to empower early-career journalists with real-world newsroom experience, mentorship, and exposure to innovative storytelling formats.
Apple News serves millions of readers worldwide by delivering high-quality journalism from leading global publishers. Through this fellowship, participants will step into a dynamic editorial environment where technology and storytelling meet to shape how audiences consume news today.
Why This Fellowship Matters
This program is more than just a work placement. It is a transformative learning experience that allows fellows to:
- Work alongside top editors and media professionals
- Gain firsthand experience in a globally recognized digital newsroom
- Develop editorial judgment and storytelling skills
- Understand audience engagement through data and metrics
- Build a strong professional network in journalism and media
The fellowship is structured to ensure both breadth and depth of learning, making it ideal for individuals committed to a long-term career in digital journalism.
Fellowship Structure and Experience
The NABJ–Apple News Fellowship runs from August 2026 to May 2027, offering a structured yet flexible learning journey:
1. Editorial Rotations (First 3 Months)
Fellows will rotate across key editorial teams within Apple News, including:
- Breaking news
- Audio storytelling
- Newsletters
- Content curation
This rotation phase ensures exposure to different storytelling formats and editorial workflows.
2. Specialization Phase (Remaining 6 Months)
After rotations, fellows will:
- Select a focus area in collaboration with Apple News leadership
- Build expertise in a specific editorial function
- Contribute meaningfully to ongoing editorial projects
Key Responsibilities
During the fellowship, selected candidates will actively contribute to the newsroom. Responsibilities include:
- Curating high-quality content with accuracy and context
- Writing compelling and engaging display copy
- Planning editorial coverage for major news events
- Collaborating with publisher partners and editors
- Ensuring content meets editorial standards and guidelines
- Analyzing performance metrics and improving engagement strategies
- Presenting insights and project outcomes to internal teams
This hands-on involvement ensures fellows are not just observers but active contributors.
Mentorship and Professional Development
A major highlight of the program is its strong mentorship component:
- Weekly one-on-one meetings with a manager
- Dedicated mentorship support for career guidance
- Continuous feedback to improve performance and skills
This structured support system helps fellows grow both professionally and personally.
Compensation and Work Environment
- Pay: $45 per hour
- Work Schedule: Up to 40 hours per week
- Work Mode: Hybrid (remote applicants are also considered)
This ensures financial support while maintaining flexibility for participants.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current NABJ member in good standing
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Be a recent graduate (by June 2026) or have less than three years of journalism experience
- Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Have a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field (or relevant experience)
- Demonstrate strong editorial skills and news judgment
- Show commitment to a career in digital journalism
- Complete the official application process
Applicants who are currently employed must also obtain approval from their employer.
Important Deadline
The application deadline is May 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PT). Late submissions will not be considered, so early application is strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Join NABJ if not already a member
- Prepare academic transcripts and supporting documents
- Complete the official application form
- Submit all materials before the deadline
For inquiries, applicants can contact: awards@nabj.org
Final Thoughts
The NABJ–Apple News Fellowship stands out as a powerful launchpad for early-career journalists. It combines mentorship, real-world newsroom exposure, and cutting-edge digital media experience. If you are passionate about storytelling, technology, and shaping the future of journalism, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to grow and succeed at a global level.
Discover more global fellowship opportunitieson OFY here
