2027 Karsh Journalism Fellowship: $4,000 Stipend, Fully Funded U.S. Retreats, and Specialized Training for Journalists

Professional journalists and recent journalism graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish issues and strengthen their reporting expertise now have an exceptional opportunity to apply for the prestigious 2027 Karsh Journalism Fellowship.

Recognized as the world’s only journalism fellowship dedicated exclusively to specialized training in Jewish topics, the Karsh Journalism Fellowship offers a unique learning experience that combines immersive retreats, expert mentorship, professional networking, and independent reporting opportunities.

Selected fellows will participate in three intensive, fully funded retreats in Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C., while engaging with leading journalists, scholars, policymakers, business leaders, artists, and innovators.

In addition to receiving comprehensive training and mentorship, fellows will receive a $4,000 stipend, with all travel and programme-related expenses fully covered.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are currently open and must be submitted by 1 September 2026.

About the Karsh Journalism Fellowship

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship was established to improve public understanding of Jewish issues through rigorous, independent, and impactful journalism.

As the only fellowship of its kind in the world, the programme provides journalists with opportunities to gain deeper insights into Jewish history, culture, identity, communities, and contemporary issues while maintaining complete editorial independence.

The fellowship is firmly grounded in the journalistic values of:

• Accuracy
• Independence
• Transparency
• Accountability

Importantly, the fellowship is explicitly nonpartisan and does not exercise editorial control over the stories fellows choose to pursue.

Participants are encouraged to explore topics through their own professional lens and produce meaningful reporting that contributes to informed public discourse.

Fellowship Benefits

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship offers a comprehensive package designed to support professional growth, learning, and impactful reporting.

1. $4,000 Fellowship Stipend

Each selected fellow receives:

• A $4,000 stipend
• Financial support for participation throughout the programme

2. Fully Funded Travel

All travel expenses associated with the fellowship are covered, including participation in the programme’s three in-person retreats.

This allows fellows to focus entirely on learning, networking, and reporting without financial barriers.

3. Three Intensive In-Person Retreats

Fellows will participate in immersive retreats hosted in three major U.S. cities:

Los Angeles, California

Participants will engage with experts and thought leaders from media, arts, culture, and business sectors.

New York City, New York

Fellows will gain exposure to influential journalists, academics, policymakers, and institutions involved in public affairs and media.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital provides opportunities to engage with policymakers, government officials, and experts involved in shaping public policy and international affairs.

These retreats serve as the cornerstone of the fellowship experience, providing intensive learning, discussion, and networking opportunities.

4. Access to Distinguished Experts

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage with:

• Leading journalists
• Renowned scholars
• Policy experts
• Government officials
• Business innovators
• Cultural leaders
• Media professionals

These interactions help fellows broaden their perspectives and strengthen their reporting capabilities.

5. Professional Networking Opportunities

The programme creates valuable opportunities to build long-term professional relationships with:

• Fellow journalists
• Media organizations
• Academic experts
• Industry leaders
• Public policy professionals

These connections can provide ongoing collaboration and career development opportunities long after the fellowship concludes.

What Fellows Will Learn

The fellowship offers specialized exposure to a wide range of topics related to Jewish communities and issues.

Participants may explore areas such as:

• Jewish history
• Jewish identity
• Contemporary Jewish life
• Public policy issues
• Religion and society
• Culture and the arts
• Media representation
• International affairs
• Community development
• Social and political trends

The programme encourages critical thinking, nuanced understanding, and high-quality journalism.

Fellowship Requirements

Successful applicants must commit fully to all fellowship activities.

Mandatory Participation Includes:

Three In-Person Retreats

Fellows are required to attend all programme retreats in:

1. Los Angeles
2. New York City
3. Washington, D.C.

Monthly Virtual Sessions

Participants must attend:

• Monthly one-hour Zoom sessions
• Ongoing discussions and learning opportunities throughout the fellowship period

Final Reporting Project

To successfully complete the fellowship, each fellow must:

• Publish or produce an original reported work
• Focus on a Jewish topic of their choice
• Work under the guidance and approval of their editor
• Maintain full editorial independence

The fellowship does not dictate story topics and does not interfere with reporting decisions.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from journalists across diverse backgrounds and media sectors.

Eligible applicants include:

Early-Career Journalists

Journalists in the early stages of their professional careers seeking specialized expertise and professional development.

Mid-Career Journalists

Experienced reporters interested in expanding their knowledge and producing deeper reporting on Jewish issues.

Recent Journalism School Graduates

Graduates entering the journalism profession who wish to strengthen their reporting skills and subject matter expertise.

Journalists Across All Platforms

The fellowship welcomes professionals working in:

• Print journalism
• Digital journalism
• Broadcast media
• Television
• Radio
• Podcasting
• Multimedia storytelling
• Investigative reporting
• Freelance journalism

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a professional journalist or recent journalism school graduate.
• Be an early-career or mid-career journalist.
• Be a U.S. citizen or possess valid work authorization allowing employment in the United States throughout the fellowship period.
• Commit to attending all required programme activities.
• Participate in monthly Zoom sessions.
• Complete and publish a fellowship reporting project.

Selection Process

The programme is highly competitive.

Each year, up to 10 fellows are selected from a pool of talented journalists from across the United States.

Selection is based on factors such as:

• Professional experience
• Reporting potential
• Commitment to journalistic excellence
• Interest in exploring Jewish issues
• Capacity to contribute meaningful public understanding through journalism

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for journalists to gain specialized expertise while maintaining complete editorial independence.

Unlike many reporting fellowships that focus on narrow thematic objectives, the Karsh Fellowship encourages fellows to explore Jewish topics through their own reporting interests and professional judgment.

The programme’s emphasis on accuracy, transparency, and nonpartisanship makes it particularly valuable for journalists committed to producing fair, balanced, and impactful reporting.

Combined with fully funded retreats, expert mentorship, a generous stipend, and access to influential networks, the fellowship represents one of the most distinctive professional development opportunities available to journalists today.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 1 September 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early and review programme requirements carefully before submitting.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Journalists interested in expanding their expertise, strengthening their reporting skills, and joining a prestigious network of media professionals are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

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