Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Chicago time)
Are you passionate about storytelling, civic engagement, journalism, and improving access to information in your community? The City Bureau Civic Information Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications for its Fall 2026 cohort, offering Chicago residents a unique opportunity to develop practical skills while working on community-centered information projects.
This paid six-month fellowship is designed for people who care deeply about civic participation, community engagement, and strengthening local information systems, especially on Chicago’s South and West sides.
Fellowship at a Glance
- Host Organization: City Bureau
- Program Type: Paid Civic Information Fellowship
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Duration: 6 months (two phases)
- Stipend: Up to $7,800 total
About the City Bureau Civic Information Fellowship
The City Bureau Civic Information Fellowship is a hands-on learning program that helps participants build skills in journalism, civic participation, and community engagement. Fellows work closely with City Bureau staff and other participants to identify information gaps in their neighborhoods and create projects that help residents access useful civic information.
Throughout the fellowship, participants attend weekly learning sessions, collaborate with teammates, conduct community research, interview residents, and produce stories and information resources that serve local communities.
City Bureau places a strong emphasis on racial equity, community-centered journalism, and civic empowerment, encouraging fellows to think creatively about how information is created, shared, and used within communities of color.
What Fellows Will Do
Selected fellows will:
- Attend weekly workshops and co-working sessions
- Learn journalism skills such as reporting, interviewing, research, ethics, and storytelling
- Build authentic relationships with community members and local organizations
- Explore how Chicago’s civic and government systems work
- Cover public meetings and investigate civic issues
- Keep weekly written or audio reflection journals
- Produce blogs, explainer articles, and social video content
- Design and implement a community information project
- Receive one-on-one coaching from City Bureau staff and editors
- Develop audience engagement and information distribution strategies
- Receive professional development and career-building support
Fellowship Structure, Schedule and Stipend
Phase 1 (14 Weeks)
Fellows spend this phase learning about their communities’ information needs and designing a project to address them.
- Time Commitment: 12 hours per week
- Duration: 14 weeks
- Stipend: $5,000
Weekly requirements include:
- One 2-hour learning session (usually virtual)
- One in-person Wednesday session at City Bureau’s Bronzeville office
- Approximately 6 flexible hours for community engagement, interviews, research, writing, and assignments
Phase 2 (10 Weeks)
Fellows who successfully complete Phase 1 may continue into Phase 2, where they implement their projects.
- Time Commitment: 8 hours per week
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Stipend: $2,800
Weekly requirements include:
- One advanced virtual learning session
- One in-person co-working session
- Four flexible project implementation hours
Total possible stipend: $7,800
Who Can Apply?
No formal journalism or professional experience is required. City Bureau welcomes applicants who are eager to learn and contribute to their communities.
Ideal applicants are people who have demonstrated interest in:
- Civic issues and public participation
- Community organizing
- Public policy
- Journalism and storytelling
- Community information access
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Live in or around Chicago, Illinois
- Be available for the required in-person sessions
- Have reliable transportation within Chicago
- Be authorized to work in the United States
City Bureau especially values applicants with lived or professional experience on Chicago’s South and West sides and those connected to the Chicago Documenters network.
Important Application Note
City Bureau asks applicants not to use AI tools to complete their applications. The organization wants to hear applicants’ original voices, experiences, and perspectives. Applications suspected of AI-generated responses may be disqualified.
Why This Fellowship Is Worth Applying For
This program is more than a journalism fellowship. It is an opportunity to:
- Gain paid professional experience
- Build a portfolio of civic journalism work
- Develop community leadership skills
- Learn directly from experienced journalists and civic engagement practitioners
- Create a project that has a real impact on local residents
- Join a network of community-focused storytellers and civic leaders
For Chicago residents who want to strengthen their communities through information, storytelling, and civic participation, the City Bureau Civic Information Fellowship offers a rare combination of training, mentorship, practical experience, and financial support.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official City Bureau fellowship portal:
Apply here: City Bureau’s Civic information Fellowship Application Page
For more information: City Bureau’s Civic Information Fellowship Official Page
Make sure to submit all required materials before the deadline.
