Spencer Fellowship for Education Reporting 2027 at Columbia Journalism School
Brief Description
The Spencer Fellowship for Education Reporting 2027 is now open for applications at Columbia Journalism School. Four fellows will be selected for this yearlong program designed to help journalists and educators develop and publish ambitious long-form journalism projects that advance public understanding of education. If selected as a residential fellow, you will receive an $85,000 scholarship for personal living expenses, $7,500 for project expenses, full coverage of tuition and student fees, and basic student health insurance. Non-residential fellows receive a $43,000 stipend alongside $7,500 for project costs. Through this education reporting fellowship, you will combine research and academic study with direct guidance from faculty experts at Columbia University and Teachers College to complete your reporting project.Name of Host Institution
Columbia Journalism SchoolRequirements/Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all U.S. citizens and green card holders, including working journalists, freelancers, and education professionals.
- No academic prerequisite or college degree is required to apply.
- Candidates should have experience in education journalism or related fields, such as juvenile justice, economics, arts and culture, poverty, or the science of learning.
- Applicants must demonstrate the ability to research and tell stories in a journalistic style for general audiences.
- Selection is based on the strength of your project idea and your potential to complete and publish or broadcast the work.
Financial Support
- Residential Fellows: Receive an $85,000 living scholarship distributed in four quarterly installments, $7,500 in project expenses dispensed in two halves, full tuition and student fee coverage, and basic student health insurance.
- Non-Residential Fellows: Receive a $43,000 stipend and $7,500 for project-related expenses paid out quarterly. Health insurance is not included.
Required Application Materials
- Resume or CV: Detailing your educational and professional qualifications.
- Narrative Autobiography: A short essay outlining the personal and professional origins of your commitment to education and journalism.
- Work Samples: Up to four samples demonstrating your use of research to tell education stories (or related social issue stories) to general audiences. Accepted formats include book excerpts, clips, radio/TV broadcasts, podcasts, film excerpts, and journal articles.
- Proposal Essay: A detailed essay outlining your intended project, related works in progress, and your distribution plan. Preference is given to applicants with documented paths to publication or broadcast, such as letters of interest, book contracts, or distribution deals.
- Research Plan: A proposal describing how you will use Columbia University resources during your fellowship.
Deadline
February 4, 2027
👀 You Missed
Past Week
You Might Also Like
No responses yet