Why Journalism on Education, Work, and the Innovation Economy Matters Now
Between ChatGPT's debut in 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic, and major industrial policies from both the Biden and Trump administrations, billions of dollars in federal, state, and private investment are flowing into tech-based economic development across America. These investments are reshaping public education, the workforce, and local economies. Yet, the number of journalists covering these changes is shrinking fast.
According to the Poynter Institute, the United States has seen a roughly 75% decline in local journalists per 100,000 residents since the early 2000s. At the same time, debates around AI and advanced technologies are heating up on the campaign trail.
This double threat—fewer local reporters and rapid tech change—makes it harder for policymakers, business leaders, and families to understand what is happening in their communities.
What Is the Future of Work Reporting Fellowship?
In response, a new Future of Work Reporting Fellowship from the Future of Work and Innovation Economy initiative at the think-tank New America and the non-profit newsroom Work Shift aims to boost local journalism at the intersection of workforce education, technological change, and shifting regional economies.
Who Is Involved?
The institutions impacted by these investments include:
- K-12 schools
- Universities and community colleges
- Libraries
- National laboratories
- Industry associations
- Workforce development boards
- Labor unions
- Economic development agencies
- Community-based groups
How the Fellowship Builds Local Journalism Capacity
The fellowship offers place-based journalists, reporters, freelancers, and storytellers funding, professional development, and a community of practice. The goal is to expand local reporting on how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy come together in real communities.
What Stories Could Be Told?
Reporting projects will address the public, especially education leaders, policymakers, and industry officials. For example, stories could explore:
- How a nearby national laboratory affects the local job market
- The impact of a ManufacturingUSA Institute on regional training programs
- How federal industrial policy investments from agencies like the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health, DARPA, and the National Science Foundation are reshaping communities
- How the AI boom is driving a “third wave of philanthropy” that changes local tech development
Project Format and Deadline
Reporting projects should be a special in-depth article, package, or series of articles—or a similar long-form project for other media. The work can be in any medium: prose, audio, video, or photo. The piece must be published by the end of the Fellowship period in August 2027.
Why This Matters for Communities
Without strong local journalism, communities miss out on critical information about jobs, education, and economic opportunity. This fellowship helps fill that gap, ensuring that the stories of change are told accurately and accessibly.
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