The California Local News Fellowship is a state-funded, multi-year initiative led by the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. The program is designed to strengthen local journalism by placing early-career reporters in newsrooms across California for a two-year, full-time reporting fellowship. The initiative aims to support underserved communities and foster the next generation of journalists committed to local news.
Program Benefits
- Full-Time Employment: Fellows are placed in a California newsroom for a two-year, paid reporting position.
- Competitive Salary: The fellowship provides a competitive annual salary and benefits.
- Intensive Training: The program includes intensive summer training at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism to prepare fellows for their newsroom roles.
- Ongoing Mentorship: Fellows receive continuous mentorship and training from experienced journalists and faculty at UC Berkeley throughout their two-year placement.
- Career Development: The program provides a strong foundation for a career in journalism and a network of peers and mentors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Career Stage: The fellowship is designed for early-career journalists. This includes recent graduates (both undergraduate and graduate) and journalists with up to five years of professional experience.
- Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States for the two-year duration of the fellowship. The program is unable to sponsor work visas.
- Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to local journalism and serving communities in California.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2025.
- Application Method: Applications are submitted through an online portal.
- Required Materials: The application typically requires a resume, cover letter, work samples, and references.
- Selection: The selection process involves a review of applications followed by interviews for finalists. Fellows are matched with newsrooms based on their skills, interests, and the needs of the partner news organizations.
Application Link:
For full details and to access the application portal when it opens, please visit the official program website.
