The Karsh Journalism Fellowship has officially opened applications for its inaugural 2026 cohort. This groundbreaking program is the world’s only journalism fellowship dedicated to equipping early-career journalists with the specialized knowledge, training, and mentorship necessary to cover Jewish issues with accuracy, depth, and expertise.

With a launch date in January 2026, the fellowship seeks to do for Jewish coverage what the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship has accomplished for science reporting: provide the focused training journalists need to handle complex, nuanced, and often misunderstood issues with professionalism and rigor.

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship is nonpartisan and upholds the highest journalistic standards. Fellows, mentors, and guest speakers will come from a wide variety of backgrounds, outlooks, and media platforms to ensure balanced perspectives and robust discussions.

Program Structure

In its inaugural year, 10 fellows will be selected to participate in the program. Over the course of 2026, fellows will take part in:

• Three weekend-long retreats held in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

• Seminars and workshops led by leading journalists, academics, activists, and Jewish community leaders.

• On-site visits to significant cultural institutions, including the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, for sessions such as “Jews and Hollywood” with a top industry showrunner.

• Topic deep-dives into key issues including:

  • Israel

  • Antisemitism

  • The Holocaust

  • The Jewish vote

  • Jewish history and contemporary influence

This immersive approach combines academic learning, real-world reporting insights, and first-hand community engagement.

Fellowship Benefits

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship provides fellows with both financial support and unparalleled professional development opportunities. Key benefits include:

• $4,000 stipend for each fellow.

• All expenses paid travel to attend the three retreats in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

• Mentorship from top-tier journalists drawn from leading outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Atlantic.

• Specialized training in journalism focused on Jewish issues, enhancing fellows’ capacity to report on complex topics that frequently dominate the global news cycle.

• Networking opportunities with thought leaders, activists, and peers who share a commitment to accurate and thoughtful reporting.

Each fellow will also complete one reporting project, developed with the support and guidance of Karsh Journalism Mentors. The project will be published under the sole direction of the fellow’s editor, ensuring that participants maintain journalistic independence while benefiting from expert mentorship.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Karsh Journalism Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a working journalist with no more than 10 years of experience, or

• Be an enrolled graduate student in journalism, or a recent graduate of journalism school.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to journalism and an interest in enhancing their ability to cover Jewish issues with professionalism and depth.

Program Goals

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship is designed to:

• Build journalistic expertise on Jewish topics that are often covered superficially or inaccurately.

• Create a network of journalists who are equipped to handle sensitive and complex issues.

• Provide nonpartisan, high-quality education and mentorship that fosters reporting integrity.

• Elevate the role of journalism in bridging understanding between communities.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 Karsh Journalism Fellowship must be submitted online.

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

• Application Website: karshfellowship.org

Applicants will be asked to provide information on their professional background, interests, and goals for participation in the program.

Why This Fellowship Matters

In a world where misinformation and polarized narratives increasingly shape public understanding, the Karsh Journalism Fellowship fills a critical gap by ensuring that Jewish issues are reported with accuracy, fairness, and depth. With growing global interest and frequent coverage of Jewish-related topics—from historical memory to modern geopolitics—this fellowship equips journalists to bring nuance and credibility to their reporting.

The program represents an investment not just in individual careers, but in the broader integrity and impact of journalism. Fellows will emerge with enhanced skills, stronger networks, and a deeper understanding of the issues they report on—empowering them to produce work that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

The 2026 Karsh Journalism Fellowship is a unique and prestigious opportunity for early-career journalists and journalism graduates who aspire to specialize in Jewish issues. By combining financial support, immersive retreats, mentorship from leading journalists, and access to diverse perspectives, the program provides a rare chance to build a foundation of expertise in a field of growing importance.

If you are a journalist or journalism graduate eager to strengthen your skills and make a meaningful impact in the profession, this is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

Apply now at karshfellowship.org before October 15, 2025.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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