Do you believe that local journalism is a public service? We might have a spot for you!

Report for America is a nonprofit program that sends early-career journalists—and this year, a small group of mid- to late-career journalists—to newsrooms throughout the country to report on under-covered topics and communities. Local reporting can be thrilling, rewarding—and challenging. Check out our interactive database of newsrooms and beats, and read the FAQs to make sure you’re a good fit for this program.

RFA is a two-year program with a one-year check-in. Each service year begins on June 1 and runs through May 31. That start date is firm. If your newsroom likes you and vice versa, both of you re-up for a second year. (Most corps members do.) We’ve also added an optional third year. In 2021, we’ll be placing roughly 300 corps members across the county; around 100 of those will be new placements. (The rest will be current corps members who sign up for another year.) We’re committed to equality and diversity in the workplace.

To apply, complete this corps member application by Sunday, January 31 at 11:59 pm ET. Should you become a finalist and slated for one or more newsroom interviews, your application will be shared with those newsrooms.

Please Note: Be sure to alert your references that they should be receiving an email from Submittable, the application system. All references are due by Sunday, February 14 at 11:59 pm ET.