The 2025-26 Reflect America Fellowship will bring a tenacious journalist to NPR for 12 months to join our Education Desk and report on education in Indigenous communities across North America.
We're looking for someone who stays on top of the news, is well-versed in a wide range of topics, and wants to learn and grow in one of the nation's most dynamic news organizations. In this fellowship, you will learn to analyze and understand data, develop sources on your beat and pursue explanatory stories about how schools work and how humans learn. You will also seek to identify issues that are of particular concern to Indigenous communities, such as teacher training and supply, cultural isolation, funding and governance.
As a fellow, you'll expand your skills and portfolio, working and learning alongside journalists whose award-winning stories inform millions of people and provoke change.
Read the FAQ below for more information.
Background
Why did you create the Reflect America Fellowship?
This fellowship is part of nearly a decade of work to increase the diversity of NPR's content. This fellowship's focus in 2025 concentrates on one of the country's most important beats.
What does the fellowship involve?
The fellow will embed with NPR's Education Desk, where they'll pitch and report stories on-air and online. Fellows will work and learn alongside journalists at NPR and Member stations whose award-winning stories reach millions of listeners and readers, as well as collaborate on reporting with public radio station KOSU in Oklahoma City, OK.
Will I be on the air and get bylines on NPR.org?
Yes.
Do you have to be an American citizen to take part in the program?
No, but foreign nationals must have appropriate employment authorizations.
Who should apply?
Journalists with at least two years' experience (including internships and other fellowships) in any journalism medium. A full job description and application can be found here.
How do I apply?
Submit your application here.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, Jun 22, 2025
Selection Process
How many Reflect America Fellows will be selected?
We will choose one Fellow.
Who chooses the Reflect America Fellow?
The Reflect America Fellow will be selected via a competitive job application process. The Fellowship hiring committee will be made up of NPR journalists, including leaders of the Education Desk and other NPR journalists.
What is the timeline for selecting the Reflect America Fellow?
- May 27, 2025: Applications open
- June 22, 2025: Applications close
- By July 18, 2025: Three finalists are selected by the Fellowship Committee
- July 21 - Aug. 1, 2025: Interviews
- By Aug. 8, 2025: The selected Fellow will be notified
- Sept. 8, 2025: The Fellowship begins
Is the Reflect America Fellowship paid?
Yes. The Fellow receives $70,000 a year, plus benefits, which include health insurance and paid vacation.
Is housing paid for?
No.
Will the fellowship be onsite at NPR HQ?
This is a hybrid-permitted role based at NPR HQ in Washington, D.C., with some required travel for field reporting and reporting collaboration with KOSU in Oklahoma City, OK.
After the Fellowship
What happens when the fellowship is over?
Though two of our fellows have landed reporting and producing positions at NPR, completion of the fellowship does not guarantee a job. We do all we can to help you make connections at NPR and at any of the more than 250 NPR Member stations around the country.
Still have questions?
Send additional questions to [email protected] during the application period (May. 27. through June. 21, 2025).
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