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.
Applications for 2023-2024 corps positions are now closed.
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.
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
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.
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.
Virtual Information Sessions
September 21, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER HERE
October 5, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER HERE
October 12, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER HERE
October 26, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER NOW
November 2, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER NOW
November 9, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER NOW
November 16, 2023
Join the recruitment team to ask questions and get insight into the application process. REGISTER NOW
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 2024 cycle will open December of 2023 and close the end of January 2024.
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.
If you know someone who would be interested in becoming a corps member, fill out the referral form.