Eligibility:
- Open to local newsrooms based in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont across all mediums (print, digital, television, radio, podcast, multimedia, etc.).
- Newsrooms must commit to naming a fellow who will serve as the climate and environment coverage lead, as well as an additional second individual who also will attend weekly workshops. One of these roles must be filled by a senior staff member (i.e. editor, executive producer, general manager).
- Participants must be based in New England.
- Participants must agree to attending 5 out of the 6 workshops and at least one coaching session per month.
- Participants must commit to scheduling and following through with an in-person visit, and ensure that designated team members are available for the visit.
- Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to improving their coverage of climate and environmental issues that affect their local communities.
- Metcalf Institute strives to create a diverse Fellowship cohort. Newsrooms that are by and for marginalized or underserved communities, are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Independent journalists (freelancers) may apply if they have a working relationship with a local newsroom.
Key Dates for the first 2025 Cohort:
- Application Opens: July 14, 2025
- Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: Early September
- Program Format: Virtual (Zoom), with one in-person visit
- Program Dates: Six workshops on Thursdays from 12pm-1:30pm from October 16 to November 20. Initial coaching session in late September/early October. Three additional coaching sessions in January, February, and March 2026, including in-person visit.
This fellowship represents a critical opportunity for newsrooms to strengthen organizational systems around climate coverage, build lasting connections with scientific experts and community leaders, and engage their audiences with accurate, actionable information about the environmental challenges facing their regions. Click here to apply.
Ten newsrooms will be chosen from submitted and completed applications. Please note that newsrooms may be invited to a virtual discussion as part of the application process.