Job Length: Spring semester (January 2026 – May 2026)
Reports to: Communications Director/Humanist Editor
Location: Remote
Compensation: $3,000 honorarium
To apply: Start by filling out our application form.
The American Humanist Association’s inaugural Student Journalism Fellowship is a paid, semester-long program designed to cultivate the next generation of professional, secular journalists.
The wall separating church and state – a cornerstone of the American constitutional order – is currently facing unprecedented legislative and judicial stress. Despite the profound implications for civil liberties and secular governance, media coverage of these issues in our current political climate remain sporadic and often superficial. Additionally, the balance between church and state is constantly being redefined through complex legal and legislative actions. This causes major media outlets to prioritize stories that are easily summarized or immediately sensational, leaving critical rulings under-covered and the American public woefully out-of-the-loop.
And we are up against potent forces: the billionaires, bishops and bigots who are running our country want to fundamentally dismantle the rights, freedoms and progress that humanists have fought for in America. They tell us empathy is a “sin” and that caring for each other is “suicidal,” and have disproportionately targeted their hatred at our most vulnerable neighbor. Now more than ever, we need the press and media to be able to speak accurately and candidly about the crisis of cruelty affecting our nation.
The Role:
A selected student journalist will receive an honorarium for the semester of $3,000. This dedicated funding will ensure the fellow can prioritize deep, time-consuming journalistic work. You will be required to produce a minimum of six original, high-quality reported pieces for publication in The Humanist and related AHA channels. These pieces will cover judicial rulings, legislative actions, local activist campaigns, and other essential humanist issues.
Requirements:
Applicants must be currently majoring in journalism or taking related coursework at an accredited institution. While the fellow will receive dedicated editorial guidance from AHA staff, it is critical for our publication standards that the fellow has access to professional support, should the need arise.
Compensation:
- Honorarium for the semester of $3,000
Hiring Process:
Start the application process here.
Selected finalists will be invited to a follow-up interview with the hiring manager for this role.
Target Start Date:
A final decision will be made and applicants updated on their status by January 5, 2026.