Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships

The Knight-Wallace Fellowships offer accomplished journalists two rare commodities: time and resources. Journalists who are eager for growth and deeply committed to the future of journalism spend an academic year at The University of Michigan to access the resources of a world-class university and dive into a journalism project. Areas of focus can include, but are not limited to, sharpening professional skills, addressing a challenge facing your newsroom, digging into data and research for a long-term reporting project or developing a journalism venture.

We select up to 20 Fellows from all facets of journalism who are ready to take the next career step and join us in Ann Arbor for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

• Eight-month program from late August through April of immersive study away from daily deadlines
• Individual journalism projects designed to develop topical depth, gain new skills, address a newsroom challenge or explore a journalism venture
• Specialized resources and access to faculty at the University of Michigan
• Private seminars with newsroom leaders, change agents and world-renowned experts for candid, off-the-record conversations
• Workshops to sharpen professional skills and leadership ability
• $85,000 stipend plus $5,000 for relocation expenses distributed monthly from August through April for living expenses (costs for health insurance, auditing courses, and participating in required workshops and fellowship activities paid for by Wallace House)*
• Individual relocation support and assistance with finding and securing housing to meet each Fellow’s housing needs
• Spouses and partners are invited to participate in fellowship activities and audit university courses as well

Eligibility

• Qualified applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and be currently working in some aspect of journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist. We are looking for a diverse range of journalists, including reporters, editors, data experts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and organizational change agents.
• If you are not a full-time journalist, the majority of your work should be in journalism. We do not consider full-time academics, public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or those seeking a degree.
• If you are a U.S. citizen, apply as a U.S. applicant, even if you work in another country or for a non–U.S. journalism entity. If you are not a U.S. citizen, apply as an international applicant, even if you work in the United States or for an American journalism entity. A Green Card is not the same as citizenship.

Terms

All Fellows awarded our in-person fellowship must maintain residency in Ann Arbor for the duration of the fellowship, attend all program seminars and events, and make the fellowship their primary professional focus. Applicants working in a newsroom are encouraged to obtain employer consent granting a leave of absence with the understanding that, upon completion of the fellowship and where applicable, the Fellow will return to their place of employment.

Timeline

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are open.

• Deadline for international journalists to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year is December 1, 2023. International applications uploaded under the U.S application portal will not be considered.
• Deadline for U.S. journalists to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year is February 1, 2024.