The NPR Kroc Fellowship is a year-long program designed to identify and develop the next generation of extraordinary public media journalists. It was established in 2003 through a bequest to NPR from Joan Kroc, noted philanthropist and widow of McDonald's Corporation founder, Ray A. Kroc.
Three fellows are selected each year and receive hands-on training in audio and digital journalism, including writing, reporting, producing and editing. Applicants must be recent graduates but previous journalism experience is not required. Now in its 13th year, the program has produced nearly 40 fellows, many of whom, continue to work at NPR and Member stations across the country.
Kroc Fellows are expected to come to work every day with a hunger to learn and an ambition to pitch, report, edit and produce remarkable original stories for multiple platforms. Over the course of a year, the three Kroc Fellows get rigorous, hands-on training in every aspect of public radio journalism, both on-air and online, including writing, reporting, producing and editing.
Throughout the experience Kroc Fellows can expect to:
- Develop audio production and writing skills, by working on an NPR program or podcast. Past fellows have worked at Weekend Edition Saturday, Hidden Brain and latino.
- Become better reporters, writers and storytellers, by working under the guidance of skilled editors, producers and the NPR Training
- Gain first-hand broadcast journalism experience, by working at an NPR Member station.
- Excellent writing skills
- Insatiable curiosity
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work with members of a cooperative team
- Interest in current events
Applications are accepted between October 15 and December 31. After the hiring team reviews the applications, finalists are selected for a round of in-person interviews at NPR in late spring. Selections are made shortly thereafter.
Each completed application MUST include all of the following in ONE document and in this order:
- Cover letter, explaining why you should be selected (addressed to the Kroc Fellowship Committee)
- Resume
- Sample work reflecting remarkable initiative or accomplishment. This might be in the form of a writing sample (of 1000 words or less, please), a link to an excerpt (five minutes or so) from an audio story, video production or a musical composition, etc. or some other piece of creative work
- Academic transcript(s) (unofficial transcripts will be accepted)
- References – please include the names and contact information of two references and see additional instructions for references below.