A Call to Serve
Report for America is a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities.
As a Report for America journalist, you’ll join a movement to strengthen communities—and democracy—through local journalism that is truthful, fearless, fair and smart.
Our unique model pairs the skills and passion of early career reporters, photographers and videographers with local news organizations across the country.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Virtual information sessions will begin in May. Sign up for future updates here.
Join the Movement
Since launching in 2017, Report for America has placed more than 600 journalists in hundreds of local newsrooms. Corps members are talented, service-oriented journalists who serve in under-covered areas, providing citizens with the information they need to improve their communities and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Benefits of Becoming a Corps Member
Report for America supports your growth and development as a journalist. Our corps members receive excellent mentorship and training through Report for America and our partner newsrooms, helping them develop into experienced reporters.
Significant Beats
Report for America corps members cover a variety of beats, including healthcare, energy, statehouse, climate, education, city hall, local business, communities of color, photography and more.
Training and Mentorship
Report for America offers more than 70 training sessions per year from rock-star journalists and other experts, helping corps members sharpen their skills. We also pair you with a national mentor at the top of their game.
All-Around Support
As a corps member, you’re part of a robust peer network of fellow corps members who are covering similar beats and living in nearby towns. In addition, corps members are paired with Report for America’s regional managers—deeply experienced, award-winning journalists—who are assigned to support every corps member and partner newsroom.
Springboard to Career Success
Report for America graduates get hired by their newsrooms or by other regional, national and international outlets. As corps members, they win dozens of state, regional and national awards.
Reporting with Real Impact
Photojournalist and Report for America corps member/CatchLight fellow Hiram Alejandro Durán found a unique way to allow immigrants tell their stories while keeping them safe and preserving their identities. The result is an example of visual journalism that shares community members’ thoughts and emotions more deeply than either pictures or text could accomplish on their own.
Hiram Alejandro Durán
Report for America corps member and Catchlight Fellow
El Tímpano
For seven months, people who used public transportation in Lincoln, Nebraska, weren’t able to get evening rides. These service cuts affected all public transit users in Nebraska’s capital city, but it especially interfered with and affected the independence of people with disabilities. After Bonderson’s reporting, Lincoln’s public transit resumed full service.
Aaron Bonderson
Report for America corps member
Nebraska Public Media
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria is used in the corps member selection process?
The Report for America team looks for journalists who will do great work, can overcome challenges, solve problems and be an asset to their community and newsroom. Corps members selected are typically emerging journalists with one to three years experience and have a strong commitment to public service. In the application we look for:
- Concrete evidence that the applicant can do journalism
- Demonstrated passion for writing and reporting
- A minimum of one completed professional internship
- For college graduates, preference will be given to those who were editor-in-chief or managing editor of their college newspaper and who completed a minimum of one professional internship
- A minimum of five (5) published clips that can show range and depth of work
- An in-depth writing sample
- Two strong recommendations supporting the candidacy of the applicant
Where will I work?
You will work for a local news organization that has competed for the right to host you. Isn’t that flattering? They might be a public radio station, a newspaper, a TV station, a website — really any high-quality local news organization that can put you to great use.
When can I apply?
Corps applications for the 2025-2026 cycle will open December 2024 and close in early February 2025.
How much will I get paid?
The salary is set by the local newsroom, and is equivalent to that of a reporter in your region with your experience level. As a result, salaries will vary, but the current median salary for a Report for America corps member is $46,000.
Do I get to pick my own city or town?
You do get to express preferences, though we don’t guarantee you’ll get your top picks. You can also select “send me where I’m most needed.”
Can’t make an information session, or still have questions? Sign up for updates, or reach out to the recruitment team at [email protected].
If you know someone who would be interested in becoming a corps member, fill out the referral form.