Economic challenges, such as inflation and unemployment, hit families hard. For children, it can permanently impair their future health, education and work. Research proves the benefits of financial stability for families, but are journalists doing enough to cover it?

Fourteen years after a Harvard University study on economic mobility placed Charlotte, N.C., at the bottom of a list of 50 cities where a child had the chance to rise from poverty, the city’s observers are still struggling to measure progress for low-income families. This situation persists even in one of America’s leading banking and financial centers.

The National Press Foundation has selected Charlotte for its third Future of the American Child journalism training Jan. 21-24 2024, continuing its year-long examination of child well-being. Like the successful journalism fellowships NPF held in McAllen, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio, this cohort will consist of 15 journalists from across the U.S. for an expenses-paid training program.

Leading researchers, policymakers, advocates and senior journalists will speak to the reporting fellows on topics such as:

• Impact of economic instability on children’s mental health
• Effective policies and advocacy to address food insecurity
• How quality health care improves educational achievement
• Effective policy for youth in the labor force
• Investments in foster care that prepare youth for leaving the system
• How communities can transform to support child well-being

Confirmed speakers will be included here in the coming weeks.

The application deadline is Nov. 8, 2023.

More information, videos and summaries of the first two “American Child” fellowships are here. 

This competitive fellowship is open to U.S.-based reporters and editors working in print, television, radio/podcasting or online media. We greatly value diversity in all our programs.  The foundation will cover airfare, hotel, most transportation and most meals.

Applicants must submit a letter from their supervisors saying they will be permitted to attend all Charlotte-based sessions. Freelance journalists must provide a letter from an editor indicating interest or intent to publish work from the fellowship if it meets their editorial standards. Applicants must also verify that they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

This fellowship is sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation and the Heising-Simons Foundation. National Press Foundation is solely responsible for programming and content.