The ISF Journalism Fellowship supports emerging Muslim journalists with professional development, mentorship, career counseling, and real-world newsroom experience. This one-year fellowship is part of the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Media Programs initiative to increase American Muslim representation and leadership in journalism.
About the Program
Fellows receive a comprehensive fellowship experience including mentorship from seasoned editors, professional coaching from ISF, career development support, and hands-on newsroom training. The program includes the option to complete a 9-week, paid internship with one of our partner news organizations. Fellows may choose to intern with Religion News Service (RNS), Zeteo, or another media partner that aligns with their professional interests.
What to Expect
The internship provides practical experience in newsroom reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling. Interns will work on producing high-quality journalism that elevates diverse voices and perspectives, and they will build professional networks within the journalism industry. (Include details tailored to Religion News Service (RNS), Zeteo, or any other partner here if desired.)
Eligibility
- An active member of the Muslim community,
- A U.S. citizen, permanent resident of the United States, or a DACA recipient,
- An undergraduate (junior or senior) or of graduate standing enrolled in a journalism program or related field OR recent graduates within the last 12 months.
- Have completed at least one (1) year of journalism school or have a background in a writing-intensive field of study (e.g., Religious Studies, Sociology, Anthropology)
- Be available full-time for the internship period
- Show a proven commitment to pursuing a career in journalism
Requirements
- 60-Second Video Introduction
- Resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- Short essay responses
- Work Sample
Fellowship Benefits
- A paid 9-week journalism internship with a partner newsroom
- Monthly one-on-one coaching from ISF Media Programs
- Mentorship from a professional journalist
- Enrollment in ISF’s Journalism Bridge Program for continued career support
- Financial support to attend a national journalism conference