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

May 13, 2026

Meet the recruitment team and learn more about program eligibility and application requirements. REGISTER NOW

Join the Movement

Since launching in 2017, Report for America has placed more than 700 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.

Transformative reporting across the nation

Corps members’ stories hold public officials accountable and reveal the complexity and richness of communities.

Group on Prince of Wales Island takes grip of Alaska’s arm wrestling scene

Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, only sees about five hours of daylight

ICE’s Crackdown Is Drowning Out Religious Activists in Chicago

This photojournalist and reporter duo, Camilla Forte and Aydali Campa, covered a

A week without SNAP: How one Indy family made it through

Corps member Brett Phelps followed an Indianapolis family for a week to

Retracing the final steps of Burmese refugee who died in Buffalo

Newly available police bodycam footage shows the encounter last February between two

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements?

A minimum of one year of professional journalism experience.
Four professional work samples demonstrating high-quality journalism.
Two strong professional references (these are submitted through a form we provide).
Commitment to serving for the full two or three years in the program.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. for at least two years from the start date.
Ability to start full-time work on the start date with no interfering commitments.
Most positions require a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

Where will I work?

You will work for a local news organization that has competed for the opportunity to host you. We support public radio stations, newspapers, digital outlets and TV stations. Any high-quality local news organization that needs your reporting skills to cover an undercovered topic in its community is eligible to be a host newsroom.

When can I apply?

Corps applications for the 2026 cohort will open January 19, 2026, and close February 16, 2026. You can find the application on our website.

Do I get to pick my own city or town?

You may provide up to five preferences for specific positions, as well as location preferences on the corps member application, though we don’t guarantee you’ll get your top picks. Our selection team will review your preferences carefully to determine if there is a good match. You will never interview with a newsroom without expressing interest in that position.

Meet our Corps Members

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.