U.S. Journalists Invited to Apply for 2025-26 O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism

O'Brien Fellowship in Journalism: A Platform for In-Depth Reporting and Mentorship

The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism at Marquette University has opened its application process for the 2025-26 session. This prestigious fellowship is designed to provide U.S.-based reporters with the resources, funding, and time needed to investigate and report on significant national, state, or regional stories.

Founded and supported by Marquette University, the O’Brien Fellowship allows seasoned news professionals to deeply investigate critical issues while mentoring the next generation of journalists. The fellowship is named in honor of Marquette alumni Alicia and Perry O’Brien. In 2012, their daughter, Patricia Frechette, and her husband, Peter, made a transformative donation of $8.3 million to establish the fellowship and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel serves as a co-founder and partner of the program.

Fellows receive a generous stipend of $75,000, along with housing and travel allowances, and have the opportunity to collaborate with journalism students at the University. The fellowship spans nine months, during which fellows work on an in-depth reporting project of their choosing that holds the potential to drive meaningful change. They are expected to complete their project over two academic semesters, focusing on a topic of state, regional, national, or international significance.

This fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity for journalists to delve into important stories, contribute to impactful journalism, and collaborate with emerging talent in the field.

The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism offers the following benefits:

1. A stipend of $75,000 for nine months, paid to the sponsoring organization or directly to independent fellows.

2. A residency allowance based on family size for fellows relocating to the Milwaukee area (up to $7,000 for a single fellow, $9,000 for one child, and $12,000 for three or more children).

3. A moving allowance of $7,000 for fellows relocating from outside the Milwaukee area.

4. Up to $9,000 for project-related travel, technology, data, document costs, and equipment needs, covered under the Travel & Research Allowance.

5. Employee benefits continue through the fellow's employer, if applicable. Independent journalists can opt for Marquette employee health insurance.

6. Fellows and their spouses are eligible for tuition remission (up to seven credits) for courses at Marquette University.

The fellowship is open to U.S.-based journalists, including those from print, radio, TV, websites, podcasts, online publications, wire services, and magazines, with at least five years of professional experience. There are no academic prerequisites for applicants. Selection Criteria: Applicants must propose a rigorous, multimedia public service journalism project with the potential for major impact and social reform. The project should offer creative solutions to social problems and ensure significant exposure once completed. A distinguished advisory committee, including journalists and Marquette faculty, will interview finalists recommended by the College of Communication faculty. The committee will then send a list of recommended fellows to the Dean of the Diederich College of Communication for final approval.

Application Methods:

Preferred Method: Applicants are encouraged to submit their supporting materials through a file-sharing service such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or their personal or company website. Please provide a link to your materials in the official online application form, as this is the preferred method for submission.
 

Alternative Method: 

Applicants can email their materials directly to obrienfellows@marquette.edu, with the subject line: "O'Brien Application Materials: Applicant’s Name.
Last Resort: Physical copies of materials will only be accepted if necessary. Applicants need to contact the fellowship office before sending materials, as these materials are non-returnable.
The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism offers a unique opportunity for experienced U.S.-based journalists to investigate significant stories and drive social change. This prestigious fellowship not only empowers journalists to tackle pressing issues but also provides mentorship to emerging talent in the field.

Editor's Note:

The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism represents a significant opportunity for journalists to dedicate themselves to important investigative work, free from the usual pressures of daily news cycles. By providing financial support, resources, and access to academic expertise, this fellowship fosters both impactful journalism and the growth of the next generation of reporters. 
U.S.-based journalists with a passion for public service can apply and take advantage of this valuable program. The fellowship’s potential to inspire meaningful change and foster collaboration in the field of journalism is truly remarkable. 

Skoobuzz encourages journalists to apply for this wonderful opportunity to excel in their journalism careers.