AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowship

Name: AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship

Award Amount: $20,000

Information And Eligibility:
The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is a highly respected summer program that places graduate students in science, engineering, and related technical fields into professional media organizations across the United States. During the 10-week fellowship, participants work full-time as science journalists, producing stories that translate complex scientific research into clear, engaging, and accessible content for the general public. Fellows may be placed with newspapers, magazines, online publications, radio stations, or television networks, depending on their interests and the needs of host media outlets.

The primary goal of the fellowship is to improve public understanding of science while simultaneously training scientists to communicate effectively beyond academic audiences. Fellows gain firsthand experience in interviewing experts, covering breaking science news, meeting tight editorial deadlines, and shaping narratives for non-technical readers or viewers. Many alumni of the program go on to careers in science journalism, policy, public outreach, academia, and science communication roles within government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

In addition to professional media placement, fellows receive orientation and ongoing support from AAAS, including guidance on ethical science reporting, storytelling techniques, and navigating the media landscape. The fellowship emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and responsibility in science reporting, making it particularly valuable for students interested in the intersection of science, society, and public policy.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduate student (master’s or doctoral level) in science, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related technical field
• Applicants should be enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution at the time of application
• Must demonstrate strong written communication skills and a clear interest in science journalism or public communication
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application through the AAAS fellowship portal
• Current resume or curriculum vitae highlighting academic background and relevant experience
• Official or unofficial academic transcripts
• Three writing samples that demonstrate clarity, storytelling ability, and analytical thinking (journalistic writing is encouraged but not required)
• Personal statement explaining interest in science journalism, communication goals, and how the fellowship fits into long-term career plans

Additional Details:

• The fellowship runs for approximately 10 weeks during the summer
• Fellows receive a stipend intended to cover living expenses during the program
• Placement locations and media formats vary each year
• No prior journalism experience is required, but strong writing ability is essential

Deadline: January

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