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 emerging reporters, photographers and videographers with local news organizations across the country.
Join the Movement
We are made up of 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 unparalleled 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.
Reporting with Real Impact
Illinois residents struggled with flash flooding, raw sewage in yards and homes that didn’t drain away and drinking water they didn’t trust. After Belleville News-Democrat took up the story, the issue gained attention from state officials and the EPA.
DeAsia Sutgrey
Report for America corps member
A Louisiana law firm charged Utah’s poorest county $500,000, to lobby against the expansion of Bears Ears National Monument, corps member, Zak Podmore reported after demanding public records. The fees including one $109,500 bill the county was charged—and paid—twice. (Zak got the county a refund.)
Zak Podmore
Report for America corps member
All-Around Support
In addition to a robust peer network of fellow corps members who are covering similar beats and living in nearby towns, Report for America’s regional managers—deeply experienced, award-winning journalists— are assigned to support every corps member and partner newsroom.
Community Service
Corps members volunteer their time on a student journalism or youth media project. The goal is to support the media literacy of young people by helping them produce stories about the world around them.
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.
Register for an Information Session
Information Session: Dec. 16, 2021, 2 PM ET
Meet the Report for America recruitment team and learn more about becoming a corps member. REGISTER NOW
Information Session: Jan. 6, 2022, 2 PM ET
Meet the Report for America recruitment team and learn more about becoming a corps member. REGISTER NOW
Information Session: Jan. 13, 2022, 2 PM ET
Meet the Report for America recruitment team and learn more about becoming a corps member. REGISTER NOW
Information Session: Jan. 27, 2022, 2 PM ET
Meet the Report for America recruitment team and learn more about becoming a corps member. REGISTER NOW
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Where will I apply?
Corps applications for the next reporting cycle will open in December 2021 and will close in January 2022 for the RFA year that begins in June 2022.
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. That varies by region but is usually between $32,000 and $45,000.
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 recruitment@reportforamerica.org.