The Data Fellowship program from the Center for Health Journalism offers journalists intensive training in data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, and visualization. Led by some of the nation’s top data reporters and journalism professionals, the fellowship is designed to elevate data-driven reporting skills, ensuring that participants produce accurate, impactful stories.
The training helps reporters “bulletproof” their data and is followed by a five-month mentoring phase with Senior Fellows. This support guides participants as they develop original data projects paired with powerful storytelling on underreported health and social issues.
Fellowship project themes for the National Track include the impact of poverty, trauma, housing insecurity, and mental health on child and family stability, as well as the effectiveness of safety net programs and government policies. Projects that explore inequities and accountability in family and community well-being are highly encouraged.
For the California Track, project themes focus on health disparities, access to care, homelessness, environmental justice, maternal health outcomes, and the effects of public policy on vulnerable populations. Stories that investigate the role of place in life expectancy, the impact of climate change, and efforts to improve state-run health systems are especially welcome.
Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend to support reporting costs, participate in multi-day in-person data training (in Excel or RStudio), and receive five months of professional mentoring. Fellows may also apply for additional support, including $1,000–$2,000 in funding and guidance in engaged journalism.
The fellowship is open to U.S.-based professional journalists working for U.S. media outlets. Freelancers are eligible if they have a confirmed assignment and supporting documentation. Students are not eligible to apply.
The application deadline is July 22, 2025.
For more information, visit Center for Health Journalism.
