Important Dates 2025

  • Application Posted: January 15

  • Application Deadline: April 18, 11:59 PM ET

  • Application Receipt Notification: April 21

  • Semi-Finalist Notification: May 19

  • Finalist Interviews: Summer

 

Eligibility

The fellowship is targeted for journalists early in their careers. Those with at least five but no more than seven years of experience are eligible to apply.

 

FAQ

Have questions? We’ve got you covered.

Have even more questions? Feel free to send us a message at info@thejohnalexanderproject.org.

 

Application Components

Please consolidate the following six components into a single PDF and upload at the bottom of the page. Above the Fray is a fellowship for storytellers, so by all means, tell us a story or two.

1. Resume

Simple as that. Please check to make sure that you are eligible. [More Details]

2. Letter: Why you? Why now? (300-500 words)

Introduce yourself. We will be sending you solo to a foreign country. What should convince us the fellowship is safe with you? Why are you suited for this challenge now, at this point in your life?

3. Long Answer: The Pitch (700-1000 words)

Sell us on a story idea based in a foreign region not regularly covered by NPR. Provide details about possible story lines, characters and how you would cover the story on the radio and online. You will have three months to develop and tell this story, so make it good. The world is literally your oyster. [More Details]

4. Short Answer: Wild Card (100-400 words)

What else should we know about you? Surprise us.

5. Short Answer: Two Work Samples (50-200 words each)

Provide links to two of your favorite on-air radio reporting samples and context for each, including any challenges you may have faced along the way. Please be sure to check that your links work. [More Details]

6. References (50-200 words each)

Provide contact information for two (2) professional references: name, title, email and telephone. Tell us why these individuals have been important to you. Please put your references on alert that we may be contacting them early May for response by mid-May. [More Details]

Upload Application

Once your application is complete, please upload your full application package, including all six components, below as a PDF. The deadline to submit is April 18, 11:59 PM ET.