About the fellowship
Educators and policymakers agree: students need help spotting credible information and avoiding false or misleading content online. Yet many schools don’t teach these skills. The News Literacy Project’s District Fellowship gives districts the funding and expert guidance to change that.
District leaders accepted into the fellowship will design and launch a news and media literacy program tailored to their schools’ needs. Over three years, fellows build a sustainable plan to equip every student with essential skills before graduation — and create a model that other districts can follow.
How you’ll benefit
Our fellowship focuses on teaching news literacy through our five key learning outcomes. We offer professional learning, curriculum guidance and a strong educator community to help you meet the program’s goals and bring meaningful news literacy education to your schools.
$30,000 (over three years) to help fund your work.
Free news literacy resources, advice and professional learning.
Expert support from our team at every step.
A nationwide network of passionate education leaders.
A leading role in preparing students for our digital world.
An opportunity to shape news literacy education across your state.
What success looks like
We give your team the tools, expertise and confidence to build innovative and sustainable news literacy programs. During the fellowship, you will pursue three key objectives designed to support students in ways that positively shape their lives — both now and into adulthood.
Community
Become part of a movement.
As part of a national cohort of district fellows, you’ll join a growing community of educators dedicated to teaching news and media literacy.
Amplification
Amplify your district’s leadership in the field.
You’ll emerge as a leader in news and media literacy education, with the opportunity to help shape this work at the local, state and national levels.
Impact
Achieve long-term change that sticks with the next generation.
Your replicable plans and curriculums will inspire other educators, and you’ll have a lasting impact on how students learn news literacy.
Our fellowship in action
See how our fellows are having an impact in their districts.
District fellowship drives news literacy instruction at Colorado school
Utah school district develops a model for news literacy professional training
North Salem Central School District is pioneering student standards for news literacy
Amid AI summaries and misinformation, Pittsburgh-area schools teach students to check their facts
Fellowship road map
Each year, we select new participants who are ready to rethink how news literacy is taught and create positive and lasting impacts in their districts. The program, now in its fourth year, comprises 28 districts (22 active and six alumni) in 15 states. Here’s what you can expect during your time as a district fellow:
Year 1
In the first year, you’ll design your program with guidance from our team of experienced educators.
Year 2
During year two, you’ll test the program in select classrooms and train colleagues in teaching news literacy.
Year 3
In the third year, you’ll refine your program and expand it across your district.
Applying for a fellowship
Eligible applicants include current public school district leaders, administrators or curriculum directors. Districts from all states are encouraged to apply. Our next round of applications will open in March 2026. Questions? Contact Ebonee Otoo, NLP’s Senior Vice President of Educator Engagement.
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Alumni
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Fellowship