Participants are expected to participate in 2-hour online sessions each week during the bootcamp phase and reserve additional time for independent research, coaching sessions and peer circles during the project phase, when they will work on their final projects to present to the cohort at the end of the program. Altogether, participants should reserve 2-5 hours per week, depending on the week, to this program.

Each cohort will meet once in person at the Newmark J-School in New York for a couple of days at the beginning of their program. Travel stipends will be available, depending on need. This meeting is mandatory.

For six months, under the guidance of coaches and peers, participants will work on a project related to the financial sustainability of a nonprofit news organization in their local market, such as a 3-year-plan strategic plan, a new audience and revenue campaign, a major fundraising push, etc. Participants will briefly present their work to the class at the end of the program.

We are looking for experienced professionals who are passionate about driving change and sustainability in nonprofit local news, including:

• Current local nonprofit news leaders
• For-profit journalism leaders transitioning to nonprofit, local journalism
• Business professionals transitioning to journalism
• CEOs, fundraisers, and business leaders from the broader nonprofit sector who are committed to strengthening local news organizations.

We encourage professionals from diverse backgrounds and experience to apply to this inclusive program. Please contact us if you want to discuss whether this program is a fit for you!

No prior journalism experience is required, but candidates should demonstrate a clear vision for their career in local news leadership and how an understanding of business fundamentals will help them serve the nonprofit news sector.

Unfortunately, this program is only available to US-based applicants and organizations.

The American Journalism Project is a venture philanthropy investing in and building digital nonprofit newsrooms that are governed by, are sustained by, and look like the public they serve. AJP will provide on-the-ground insights to inform the program design and help recruit applicants. 

Blue Engine Collaborative is a global team of coaches, advisors and consultants who help mission-centered organizations solve real problems. Blue Engine will provide coaching using a team of senior news leaders, consultants and advisors who have coached more than 1,600 news organizations around the world, including dozens of American nonprofit newsrooms.

The program’s tuition is $20,000. Thanks to a generous grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, we are able to offer full scholarships to all qualifying candidates from organizations with an annual budget under $2.5 million. Qualifying candidates from organizations with an annual budget over $2.5 million and under $5 million are eligible for a reduced tuition of $5,000. And candidates from organizations over $5 million are eligible for a reduced tuition of $10,000.

Yes! Participants join a powerful network of peers, coaches, and industry leaders. You’ll also become part of the broader Newmark J-School alumni community.