The 2026–27 Institute for Diverse Leadership in Journalism and Communication (IDL) has officially opened applications for professionals and academics interested in leadership roles in journalism and communication education. This prestigious fellowship program aims to prepare the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of journalism and media education worldwide.

The program is jointly organized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) and the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ASJMC). Its mission is to increase diversity in leadership roles such as department chairs, directors, and deans within journalism and communication programs.

The Institute specifically encourages applications from individuals belonging to historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, ensuring that future leadership reflects diverse voices and perspectives.

The fellowship year consists of multiple workshops, mentoring opportunities, and networking sessions designed to strengthen leadership capacity and administrative knowledge among fellows.

📅 Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

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Overview of Journalism Fellowship

The Institute for Diverse Leadership in Journalism and Communication is a professional development fellowship designed to mentor and train academics for leadership positions in journalism and communication education.

Through structured mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities, selected fellows will develop the administrative and leadership skills necessary to manage departments, lead academic institutions, and influence journalism education globally.

Fellows continue working at their home universities while participating in the program activities throughout the year.

Components of Journalism Program

1. Workshop Sessions

Participants will attend mandatory workshops covering important leadership and administrative topics, including:

• Leadership styles and strategies
• Fundraising and institutional development
• Accreditation and academic governance
• Strategic planning in journalism education

Workshops will take place during major academic conferences including:

• AEJMC 2026 Conference (New Orleans)
• IDL Winter Workshop 2027
• ASJMC Conference / ACEJMC Committee Meeting 2027
• AEJMC 2027 Conference (Chicago)

2. Mentor Program

Each fellow will be paired with an experienced academic administrator who will serve as their mentor.

Mentorship activities include:

• Monthly virtual meetings via phone or email
• Guidance on leadership development
• A week-long campus visit to observe administrative responsibilities and academic management firsthand

This mentorship helps fellows understand how academic leadership works in real institutional environments.

3. Networking Opportunities

The program offers extensive networking opportunities with current leaders in journalism education.

Fellows will:

• Meet deans, department chairs, and academic leaders
• Participate in social and professional events
• Build long-term professional relationships
• Gain access to leadership networks in journalism education

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a current member of AEJMC
• Must be associate or full professors interested in academic leadership
• Journalism or communication professionals who have transitioned to academia may also apply
• Applicants must have at least three years of full-time academic experience
• Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to diversity in education

The program strongly encourages applications from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows receive several valuable benefits including:

⭐ Leadership and administrative training
⭐ Personalized mentorship from experienced administrators
⭐ Access to exclusive academic leadership networks
⭐ Professional development through workshops
⭐ Travel funding for some program components
⭐ Exposure to national conferences and academic leadership environments

Participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue leadership roles such as department chairs, program directors, and deans.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted as one single PDF file containing three parts.

Part 1 – Institute Application Questions

Applicants must answer leadership-focused questions including:

• How your background and experiences influence your leadership approach
• Why the program is valuable at this stage of your career
• Your leadership experience and skills
• Your motivation to pursue academic administration
• Strategies to promote diversity, belonging, and equal opportunity
• What you hope to learn from the fellowship
• Key challenges facing journalism administrators today

Part 2 – Curriculum Vitae

The CV should include:

• Current academic position and teaching experience
• Professional and academic background
• Leadership roles and service contributions
• Maximum of 10 combined publications, presentations, or awards

Part 3 – Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two recommendation letters:

• One from the applicant’s chair or dean
• One from another professional familiar with the applicant’s work

The chair or dean must confirm that the institution will support travel expenses to the two required AEJMC conferences.

Submission Details

Applicants must submit their complete application via email.

📧 Email: lillian@aejmc.org
📂 File Name: AEJMC_Institute_(YourLastName).pdf

⏰ Deadline: April 15, 2026 (5 PM Eastern Time)

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Only complete applications will be considered. The selection process is highly competitive, and up to eight fellows will be selected for the 2026–27 cohort.

Successful applicants will be notified in mid-May 2026.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Leadership diversity in journalism education is essential for shaping inclusive media systems and preparing future journalists to serve diverse communities.

Programs like the IDL fellowship ensure that academic leadership reflects broader social perspectives, encouraging innovation, inclusivity, and equity in journalism and communication education.