Since 2019 recently graduated college journalists have been matched with newsrooms across the state to take part in 9-month fellowships. NMLNF via its partner and program host, the UNM School of Communication & Journalism, issues newsrooms grants to pay for the fellows' salaries. And the journalists get that all-important newsroom experience that helps to further their careers. 

In 2023 NMLNF partnered with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and received $125,000 in state funding. To learn more about our latest program expansion click here.

The fellows are paid a competitive salary and assigned a mentor. Out of the first 16 fellows in the program, the majority are working full time in local newsrooms. Candidates are selected by an independent committee led by faculty from University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and Eastern New Mexico University.

The program includes a summer internship program to give undergraduates on-the-job experience as a journalist, as well. Interns are expected to work 20-25 hours per week for 8 weeks. Each host newsroom is provided funds to employ the intern, including a stipend for the bootcamp orientation week. 

Both newsrooms and prospective journalists must apply to participate in the fellowship or internship programs.