AAAS Mass Media Fellows Program 2026: Paid Science Journalism Internship ($8k Stipend + Travel) for Undergraduate, Graduate & Postdoctoral STEM Researchers

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has opened applications for its prestigious Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program 2026. This 10-week summer program places advanced science, mathematics, and engineering students in newsrooms across the country to work as reporters, editors, and researchers.

Selected fellows will receive a stipend of $10,000 for the summer (increased from previous years) plus travel expenses. If you are a STEM student who wants to sharpen your communication skills and publish work in major media outlets like NPR, The Los Angeles Times, or WIRED, this is the ultimate opportunity. The deadline to apply is January 1, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Program Scope: From Lab to Newsroom

This fellowship is unique because it takes you out of the lab. Orientation: The program begins with an intensive orientation in Washington, D.C. (June 3–5, 2026) where you learn the basics of science journalism. Placement: You then spend 10 weeks at a specific media site (radio, TV, newspaper, or magazine) creating content for general audiences. Wrap-up: The summer concludes with a wrap-up session in D.C. (August 17–18, 2026).

Eligibility Criteria

This program is strictly for students in technical fields, not journalism majors. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Status: You must be an upper-level undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoctoral trainee. (Or apply within one year of completing one of these degrees).
• Discipline: Your field must be in the life, physical, health, engineering, computer, or social sciences, or mathematics.
• Exclusion: Students majoring in English, journalism, science journalism, or other non-technical fields are not eligible.
• Citizenship: Open only to U.S. citizens or those holding visas that allow payment for work during the summer.

Application Requirements (The "News Story" is Critical)

The application is extensive and requires specific writing samples. Do not leave this for the last minute:

1. General Writing Sample (1,000 words): A brief sample on any subject (science or non-science) directed toward a non-scientific audience. Do not submit technical papers.
2. Sample News Story (750 words): This is the most important part. You must write a news story for the general public summarizing a recent scientific journal paper.
   • Constraint: The source paper must be primary literature published on or after July 1, 2025.
   • Restriction: You cannot use a paper you authored or contributed to.
3. Resume/CV: Concise overview of your academic and professional history.
4. Three Letters of Recommendation: From individuals who can speak to your potential as a science communicator.

Why Apply?

You will leave this program with a portfolio of published clips, a network of professional journalists, and a profound ability to communicate complex ideas—a skill highly valued in both academia and industry.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the AAAS portal. Ensure your writing samples are polished and adhere to the strict word counts.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for AAAS Mass Media Fellowship