The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships provide support to a broad group of journalists from around the world who are working to solve some of the industry's most pressing issues. The fellowships are focused on assisting journalists in becoming successful change agents, enhancing people's access to the knowledge they need to build and sustain democratic communities.
Journalism scholarships at Stanford began in 1966 with a bold idea: provide journalists with extensive access to a prestigious university in exchange for excellent journalism. The idea flourished throughout the next few decades. In 1984, a $4 million contribution from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation established a permanent endowment for the program, renamed in honor of John S. Knight, who, with his brother James L. Knight, formerly managed the country's largest newspaper chain.
One of the purposes of the fellowship is to assist Stanford colleagues in developing the leadership resilience that this task necessitates. The JSK Fellowships help fellows find the tools needed to effectively lead and negotiate a change in times of uncertainty through individual coaching, targeted seminars, and peer-to-peer learning.
From September to June, JSK Fellows take a break from their full-time jobs to focus on their ideas for solving journalism's most pressing issues while taking advantage of the many resources available to members of the Stanford community.
Activities
JSK Fellows spend much time together, attending weekly activities and organizing their opportunities to cooperate and learn from one another. Fellows will have the privilege of accessing many available resources and participating in some university classes.
The program focuses on establishing a cohort experience that honors the great diversity of the group and creates a sense of fellowship and belonging when selecting fellows and planning each 10-month program. The JSK Fellowships are not for you searching for a sabbatical or a solo experience.
The program places a premium on the diversity of background, expertise, and opinions. Applicants must show that they have the ability and willingness to work collaboratively and respectfully with people who have a diverse set of ideas, beliefs, and life experiences.
JSK Fellows join a global network of graduates advancing inclusive, impactful, and innovative journalism in their communities.
Although fellows have access to Stanford classes, it is worth mentioning that the program is not considered academic and does not require applicants to have a college diploma. It encourages its fellows to go out of the classroom and explore the vastness of Stanford and Silicon Valley.
Fellowships do not cover:
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Reporting projects
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Academic research projects
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Book projects
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Startups and founders seeking a business accelerator experience
Who may apply?
For further projects, applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time professional job experience. The program doesn't require applicants to have a college diploma or previous work experience in a newsroom.
The program looks at applicants who fit into the following categories:
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Journalists who work for a news organization or as freelancers
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Entrepreneurs and innovators in the field of journalism
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Executives in journalism's business and management
People who work in public information or public relations, for trade or home newsletters or journals, government agencies, or academic positions are often not accepted.
Application durations and deadlines
Every fall, the JSK Journalism fellowship program starts application session for international fellowships. They'll announce the dates and further information about those fellowships early in the fall.
The program usually runs from September through June. There are no fellowship events or duties during Stanford's winter and spring breaks.
Benefits of a fellowship
JSK Fellows receive various financial incentives, including an $85,000 stipend and a $5,000 housing subsidy. For fellows with children, the program grants an additional stipend. It pays for Stanford tuition and Stanford health insurance for fellows, their spouses, and children. Fellowships also assist fellows in locating rental homes close to campus.
Other advantages of a JSK Fellowship include:
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As a fellow of JSK, you will have access to some of the most inventive thinkers and organizations on the planet.
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Have chances to observe classes offered by prominent Stanford professors and instructors in various fields.
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Live theater, dance performances, music, and special lectures and events are part of the campus's vibrant intellectual and cultural life.
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Fellowship social gatherings allow everyone to know one another, including fellows' spouses, partners, and children.
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For some classes, fellow's spouses also have the right to participate. Fellows' children participate in outstanding schools in the Palo Alto area.
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Exposure to the great diversity of world views, experiences, and cultural traditions brought to the program by fellows from all over the world.
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Fellows will develop new friendships and enlarged professional networks during the fellows' 10-month stay at Stanford.
Time commitment of fellows
A JSK Fellowship requires full-time dedication. Stipends and other perks are provided to fellows, allowing them to put their jobs on hold to focus on the fellowship. The fellows are expected to:
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Spend the academic terms at Stanford from September through mid-June.
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Allow yourself to be free of professional obligations and opportunities.
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Attend all JSK Fellowships programs and events. (We have weekly events and weekend and nighttime activities on occasion.)
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Share your experiences, lessons, and ideas with the public regularly.
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Interact with respect and civility with other JSK Fellows, employees, affiliates, students, professors, and other members of the Stanford community.
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