Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026-2027: $5,000 funded opportunity for u.s.-based journalists to explore the changing Economy. Spread the love Fellowship Program Directory The Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026-2027 is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Work Shift in partnership with New America's Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative. This fellowship is designed to empower journalists to produce in-depth, place-based reporting that explores how education systems, workforce development, and emerging technologies are reshaping economic opportunities across the United States. At a time when billions of dollars are being invested into artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and innovation-driven sectors, the need for nuanced, community-focused storytelling has never been greater. This fellowship provides journalists with the financial support, resources, and mentorship needed to uncover the real stories behind economic transformation. About the Future of Work Reporting Fellowship. The fellowship aims to support early- and mid-career journalists who are interested in examining how large-scale investments and policy decisions impact real communities. Rather than focusing on broad national narratives, the program prioritizes localized, human-centered reporting that reflects the lived experiences of workers, students, and communities navigating economic change. The initiative is rooted in the belief that the most important stories about the future of work are often underreported and require deeper investigation. Why this fellowship is important. Across the United States, there is a surge of investment in: * Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies * Workforce development and training programs * Education systems aligned with new economic demands * Regional economic development initiatives However, several critical questions remain: Educational Resources * Are these investments improving economic security for working families? * Who benefits from these opportunities, and who is left behind? * How are communities adapting to technological disruptions? * What role do education and training institutions play in shaping outcomes? This fellowship seeks to answer these questions through rigorous, impactful journalism. Fellowship benefits. Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive package of financial, professional, and editorial support. 1. Financial support. * A $5,000 stipend * Additional expense budget to support reporting activities 2. Editorial coaching and professional development. * One-on-one editorial guidance * Professional development opportunities * Support in refining investigative and storytelling skills 3. Access to resources. * Access to expert sources and subject-matter specialists * Data resources to support in-depth reporting 4. Story amplification. * Opportunities to publish and promote stories * Increased visibility through Work Shift and New America platforms Fellowship duration. The program will run for approximately one year: * Start Date: September 2026 * End Date: August 2027 This extended duration allows fellows to conduct meaningful research, develop strong narratives, and produce impactful journalism. Eligibility criteria. The fellowship is open to a wide range of journalism professionals: * Print journalists * Online and digital journalists * Radio and television journalists * Multimedia storytellers * Independent and freelance journalists All applicants must be based in the United States. Key areas of focus. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that explore: * Workforce and economic development * The impact of artificial intelligence and automation * Education and training pathways for future jobs * Regional economic disparities * Community-level responses to economic change * Public and private investment outcomes Application process. To apply for the fellowship: Fellowship Program Directory * Prepare a strong reporting proposal aligned with fellowship themes * Gather required documentation * Submit your application via the official portal Application link. Important dates. * Application Deadline: July 24, 2026 * Fellowship Period: September 2026 - August 2027 Information webinar. Applicants are encouraged to attend an informational session to better understand the program: * Date: April 23, 2026 * Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT) Contact information. For media inquiries and additional information: * Email: [email protected] About the organizers. Work Shift. Work Shift is an independent news platform that focuses on the intersection of education, workforce systems, and economic opportunity. It provides in-depth reporting on what works - and what does not - in connecting people to quality jobs. New America. New America is a leading research and policy institute dedicated to generating innovative solutions for economic growth, workforce development, and social progress in the United States. Educational Resources Conclusion. The Future of Work Reporting Fellowship 2026-2027 represents a significant opportunity for journalists to engage deeply with one of the most critical issues of our time - the transformation of work and economic opportunity. By offering financial support, editorial mentorship, and access to valuable resources, this fellowship enables journalists to produce stories that inform, influence, and inspire change. If you are passionate about uncovering the realities of economic transformation and amplifying underrepresented voices, this fellowship provides the tools and platform to make a meaningful impact. Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY Here.

A new Fellowship to foster journalism around education, economic development, and the Future of Work. * Virtual * 12PM - 1PM EDT Billions of dollars are flowing into communities across America - federal and private investments in emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and innovation hubs that promise to transform regional economies and create new pathways to good jobs. But will these investments actually deliver economic mobility for working families? Who gets left behind, and who benefits? These are the stories that matter most right now, yet they're going undertold. As school systems forge new partnerships with tech companies, as community colleges retool programs for a changing labor market, as entire regions bet their futures on becoming the next tech hub - local communities need journalism that connects the dots and holds institutions accountable. There is a need to build the capacity of journalists, reporters, and storytellers around the intersection of workforce education, science and industrial policy, emerging technologies, and regional economic development. To meet that need, New America's Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative and Work Shift will be launching a Future of Work Reporting Fellowship to support journalists telling these essential stories: how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy intersect in real communities, and what it means for people's lives and livelihoods. Join this launch webinar to learn more about how to apply for the opportunity and support the fellowship.

Carrie Gillispie. Project Director, Early Development & Disability Carrie Gillispie is an Early Development & Disability Project Director with the Education Policy program at New America. Her work focuses on equity in education for early learners and students with disabilities. Before joining New America, Gillispie was a Senior Associate at The Education Trust, where she led work on early childhood education and race and disability equity. She was also an instructor and graduate assistant at The George Washington University, a contractor and intern for the U.S. Department of Education, a school psychology trainee in North Carolina and Massachusetts, an assistant special education teacher in Maryland and Hawaii, and a research trainee at the National Institute of Mental Health. She holds an Ed.D. in Special Education and Disability Studies from The George Washington University, an M.Ed. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a B.A. in English from Bates College.