Become a JSK Fellow: Reimagine Journalism & Lead Change

If you’re a journalist ready to pause your daily deadlines and reimagine your craft, the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University offers a life-changing opportunity.
Over the course of nine months, JSK Fellows explore bold ideas, build resilience, and design impactful projects that strengthen journalism’s role in democracy.

What the Fellowship Offers

  • Freedom to Explore & Innovate: JSK provides journalists with the time, space, and resources to explore, experiment, and grow—personally and professionally.

  • Academic Immersion at Stanford: Fellows spend a full academic year (September to May) at Stanford University, focusing on their chosen projects—whether that’s launching a new media initiative, developing innovative newsroom solutions, or deepening expertise in a specific subject.

  • Global Network: Become part of a diverse international cohort of journalists, supported by Stanford’s vast resources and the vibrant JSK alumni network spanning across continents.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the JSK Fellowship, applicants must:

  • Have a minimum of five years of professional journalism experience (note: internships or student work are not counted).

  • Be currently active in journalism, including newsroom reporters, independent journalists, media innovators, or strategists.

  • Demonstrate the capacity and mindset to collaborate across ideological differences and engage respectfully with others.

Not Eligible

The JSK Fellowship is not open to the following applicants or project types:

  • Individuals seeking a degree program.

  • Public relations or communications professionals.

  • Government employees, full-time academics, or internal corporate communicators.

  • Projects that are book-focused, in-house PR-driven, or part of start-up accelerator models.

Benefits & Support

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship (JSK) at Stanford provides exceptional financial and professional support, enabling fellows to dedicate themselves fully to personal and professional growth.

Financial Benefits

  • Stipend: USD 130,000 for the full nine-month fellowship period.

  • Tuition and Stanford Health Insurance: Coverage included, with additional health insurance support for dependents.

Professional Development

  • Coaching & Leadership Training: Access to workshops, leadership development, and personalized cohort-based learning.

  • Tailored Experiences: Mentorship and resources to refine your project and expand your professional vision.

Practical & Community Support

  • Housing Assistance: Guidance and support in securing accommodation and settling in the Stanford area.

  • Global Network Membership: Join a vibrant international community of journalists and innovators for lifelong collaboration and connection.

Application Timeline & Process

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: October 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

  • Application Deadline: December 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following:

  • A 1-minute video (selfie-style) explaining where you envision your journalism career in the next 3–5 years.

  • An updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

  • One work sample — this can be a published article, report, or media project.

  • Three professional references who can speak to your qualifications and leadership potential.

  • A brief disclosure of any AI tools used during the preparation of your application.

Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed through multiple evaluation stages.

  • Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a Zoom interview.

  • The JSK Fellowship team hosts live informational webinars (e.g., October 30 & November 12, 2025) for applicants to ask questions and receive guidance on preparing strong applications.

What Fellows Are Expected To Do

As a JSK Fellow at Stanford, you will:

  • Reside at Stanford University from September through May, dedicating yourself fully to the program (this is a full-time, immersive fellowship).

  • Participate in weekly cohort meetings, biweekly coaching sessions, and Stanford/JSK events.

  • Collaborate and exchange ideas with peers, share insights in public forums, and contribute to discussions on the future of journalism.

  • Use your time to explore, experiment, and innovate—developing new prototypes, storytelling models, or journalistic frameworks that drive meaningful impact.

Why Apply?

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and reimagine your role in the future of journalism, the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford offers a transformative experience.

This fellowship is designed for those who want to:

  • Step beyond daily routines and take a deeper look at the evolving landscape of journalism.

  • Strengthen leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking to create meaningful impact in the media world.

  • Access Stanford’s world-class intellectual and mentorship ecosystem, gaining exposure to leading innovators and thinkers.

  • Collaborate with a global community of journalists, innovators, and changemakers committed to advancing journalism and driving innovation worldwide.