Submission Open for Climate Journalism Fellowship (United States)

The Solutions Journalism Network (SJN), in partnership with MIT, is offering the SJN/MIT Climate Journalism Fellowship for freelance and staff journalists based in the United States. Ten journalists will develop high-impact, locally grounded climate solutions reporting over 8 months, supported by a $7,500 stipend and structured fellowship programming. The application deadline is 26 October 2026. The fellowship is designed to strengthen climate journalism by focusing on localizing climate change impacts and solutions. The opportunity responds to the idea that climate journalism is often concentrated in national coverage, while localized reporting can engage new audiences more effectively. Over 8 months, selected fellows will work on locally grounded climate solutions reporting with support from in-depth programming on key subject areas and training aligned with solutions journalism.

Selected fellows receive:

Not specified in the source: Whether there are additional expenses covered, whether the stipend is disbursed in installments, or any other financial terms/conditions beyond the stated stipend amount. Based on the information provided on the opportunity page: Not specified in the source: Specific eligibility requirements such as years of experience, newsroom affiliation criteria, citizenship/residency rules beyond “based in the United States,” or application limitations (for example, whether prior fellows can apply again). The fellowship supports fellows as they develop high-impact, locally grounded climate solutions reporting.

The programming emphasis includes:

Not specified in the source: Additional priorities (such as particular regions, beat areas, or formats like long-form vs. broadcast) beyond locally grounded climate solutions reporting. This fellowship targets a common gap in climate coverage by encouraging journalism that connects climate impacts and solutions to local contexts. It also pairs reporting support with training in climate-related subject matter and communication skills, structured around solutions journalism practices. Not specified in the source: The exact online application steps, required documents, and whether there is an application portal separate from the “Learn More and Apply Now” link. Applicants should follow the official instructions on the linked application page. Who is eligible to apply? The page states that the fellowship supports 10 freelance and staff journalists who are based in the United States. How many journalists will be selected? A total of 10 fellows will be supported. What is the stipend amount? Fellows receive a $7,500 stipend. How long is the fellowship? The fellowship lasts 8 months, according to the page. What kind of training or programming is included? The fellowship includes programming on climate science, policy, economics, and communication, plus hands-on training using the four pillars of solutions journalism. What is the application deadline? Applications are due 26 October 2026. The source does not provide a specific time of day or time zone. Is there an information session? Yes. The page lists an info session on 14 October 2026. Eligible journalists should review the official fellowship page and complete the application using the “Learn More and Apply Now” instructions. Before submitting, confirm you meet the U.S.-based requirement and that your planned work aligns with locally grounded climate solutions reporting.