Washington, DC — Today, Work Shift and New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative announce the launch of the Future of Work Reporting Fellowship, a new program that will help journalists report on how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy converge—and what that means for people’s lives and livelihoods.
Billions in federal, state, and private investment are flowing into communities across America, driving the growth of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and new tech-based initiatives that promise to transform regional economies and create better pathways to good jobs.
But will these investments actually deliver security for working families? Who benefits, and who gets left behind? How are workers and students, state and local governments, education providers, and economic development leaders navigating the impact of technological change on the labor market? These are among the most important stories in the country right now, and they’re underreported.
The fellowship supports early- and mid-career journalists producing in-depth reporting that examines these types of questions. Fellows will receive the following support from Work Shift and New America’s Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative:
- $5,000 stipend, plus an expense budget
- Editorial coaching and professional development
- Access to expert sources and data resources
- Storytelling amplification opportunities
“Economic development and opportunity are highly regional—jobs are created and people lead their lives in specific cities, towns, and rural communities,” said Elyse Ashburn, co-founder and editor of Work Shift. “Yet most coverage of these issues takes a national view, with aggregate data and sweeping narratives that flatten the differences between a factory town in Wisconsin and a tech hub on the coast. This fellowship will help change that.”
“At a time when hype cycles and conjecture can dominate news cycles around the interplay of technology, the economy, and the workforce, now more than ever, we need realities captured from those closest to the ground,” said Shalin Jyotishi, founder and director of the Future of Work & Innovation Economy initiative. “We’re delighted to partner with Work Shift to support more of that storytelling across the nation.”
The fellowship is made possible by support from Ascendium Education Group and reflects the nonprofit’s commitment to strengthening journalism at the critical intersection of education, economic development, and the future of work.
Fellowship Details
The fellowship will run from September 2026 through August 2027 and is open to U.S.-based print, online, radio, TV, multimedia, and independent journalists. Applications are due July 24, 2026.
Join an upcoming webinar on April 23, from 12:00-1:00 PM EDT to learn more.
Apply here.
About Work Shift
Work Shift is an independent news site covering the intersection of education, work, and economic opportunity. We report on what’s working—and what isn’t—in the education and workforce systems meant to connect people to good jobs. Read us here.
About New America
Our mission is to generate big ideas and bold solutions for a new America. We envision an America that represents and serves the public, where institutions work for all Americans, where workers, families, and communities can thrive, and where people are secure from existential threats. Learn more at newamerica.org.