The Future of the American Child Reporting Fellowship

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report in February showed record levels of sadness in teen girls, as well as increased sexual violence. It’s the latest evidence that American children are not developing as well as they could physically, mentally and emotionally, with factors ranging from environmental stressors to COVID and obesity.

While few newsrooms have a beat dedicated to children, audience engagement shows that communities crave information and resources that will help them support and bolster their children’s prospects. Beyond test scores and juvenile crime statistics, stories examining solutions to problems should also be on a reporter’s to-do list.

The National Press Foundation is continuing an in-depth look into child well-being in 2023 by hosting the second “Future of the American Child” journalism training May 7-10. Following a successful January 2023 fellowship in McAllen, Texas, NPF will offer an all-expenses-paid four-day fellowship in Cleveland.

Leading health researchers, policymakers, advocates and senior journalists will explore topics including:
Children’s mental health
Child labor laws and how to explain their effectiveness—or lack thereof
Interventions for youth in the criminal justice system
How policymakers grapple with child welfare reform
Racial and gender disparities
Advances in child development research
The impact of COVID-19 on overall child vaccination efforts
How child well-being can be affected at the community level

Confirmed speakers will be included here in the coming weeks.

The application deadline is April 4.

This competitive fellowship is open to U.S.-based reporters and editors working in print, television, radio or online media. We greatly value diversity in all our programs and applicants from across the nation are encouraged to apply.  The foundation will cover airfare, hotel, transportation to the airport and most meals.

Applicants must submit a letter from their supervisors saying they will be permitted to attend all Cleveland-based sessions. Freelancers may submit a letter of interest from an editor. Fellows must also verify that they have received COVID-19 vaccinations.