Apply Now: HEAL and Youth Building and Belonging Fellowships (US)

The Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) is inviting U.S.-based journalists to apply for its HEAL and Youth Building and Belonging (YBB) Fellowships, which support reporting on, for, and with young people. The opportunity focuses on youth mental health and is set for an event date of October 16, 2026. An information session is planned for September 28, 2026. The HEAL and Youth Building and Belonging (YBB) Fellowships are designed to support U.S. journalists who are passionate about youth mental health. SJN’s fellowships aim to strengthen reporting that involves young people—through reporting on them, for them, and with them. The source notes that applicants who are unsure which fellowship is the right fit should review the application form for details. SJN also plans an info session to help prospective applicants learn more. For fellowship specifics such as stipend, travel support, or eligibility constraints beyond being U.S.-based, applicants should consult the official application form and guidance referenced by SJN.

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Additional eligibility requirements (such as years of experience, organizational affiliation, citizenship, or reporting portfolio requirements) are not specified in the source. Applicants should confirm details in the application form and official instructions. The fellowships are positioned for journalists reporting connected to: The source does not provide further topic lists, sector priorities, or restrictions. This fellowship is relevant for journalists who cover youth mental health and want to strengthen how they engage with young people in reporting. By supporting U.S. journalists focused on reporting connected to young people’s experiences, the opportunity aligns with youth mental health coverage and approaches that include young people as part of the reporting process. Specific document requirements, formatting rules, or submission criteria are not provided in the source and should be verified in the official application instructions. What is the HEAL & Youth Building and Belonging (YBB) Fellowship? It is a fellowship program from the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) supporting U.S. journalists who are reporting on youth mental health and on, for, and with young people. Who can apply? Journalists who are based in the United States. Additional eligibility requirements are not specified in the source. Is this opportunity open outside the United States? No—fellows must be based in the United States, according to the source. When is the fellowship event date? The event date listed in the source is October 16, 2026. Is there an application deadline? The source does not specify an application deadline. Applicants should check the official “Learn More and Apply Now” page for the deadline. What should I do if I’m unsure whether to apply for HEAL or YBB? The source advises reading through the application form for details and joining the info session on September 28, 2026. Where do I apply? The source references a “Learn More and Apply Now” link, but the actual URL is not included in the provided text. Applicants should navigate from the official event page on the Solutions Journalism Network site. If you are a U.S.-based journalist interested in youth mental health reporting, review SJN’s application form to determine whether HEAL or Youth Building and Belonging (YBB) is the best match for your work. Then follow the official “Learn More and Apply Now” instructions on the Solutions Journalism Network site and confirm the application deadline and any required materials in the guidance. For more information, visit Solutions Journalism Network.