The APSE Foundation is now accepting applications for Class XIV of its Fellowship program in leadership, an eight-month professional development initiative designed to prepare sports journalists for leadership roles in their news organizations. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
The Fellowship offers an in-depth course of study for working professionals — typically sports editors, assistant sports editors, or reporters — who aspire to newsroom leadership. Funded by the APSE Foundation, APSE, and their partners, the program is offered at no cost to Fellows.
The Class XIV program will begin in December and conclude at the APSE Summer Conference, scheduled for July 16-18, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia. Journalists with at least three years of professional experience are eligible to apply, though exceptions may be considered. Applicants should have the support of their employer, as attendance at several in-person events is required. All travel expenses are covered by the program.
The Fellowship is designed with the understanding that participants are full-time professionals whose primary responsibility remains to their newsroom. APSE works closely with supervising editors to ensure Fellows meet all work obligations while customizing the experience to strengthen the skills most valuable to their employers. The program’s ultimate goal is for Fellows to return to their organizations as stronger, more confident newsroom leaders.
The curriculum includes several key components:
- Fellowship Weekend – A three-day seminar in January focused on management, leadership, media law, and the business of sports journalism.
- APSE Winter Conference – Fellows take part in contest judging Feb. 22-26, 2026, in Las Vegas, gaining hands-on experience evaluating top national work.
- APSE Region Meeting – Participation in a local professional development session, either virtually or in person.
- Sports Journalism Institute collaboration – Opportunities to work with the next generation of journalists as an off-site or on-site assignment editor.
- APSE Summer Conference – A capstone experience culminating in recognition and certificate presentation.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and an essay of no more than 1,000 words outlining their vision for a sports department under their leadership (alternate essay topics may be approved).
To apply, complete the application form and confirm receipt with the selection committee: Jorge Rojas of The Athletic (jrojas@theathletic.com), Jane Havsy of the Daily Record (jhavsy@gannett.com), APSE Foundation executive director Lisa Wilson of The Athletic (lwilson@theathletic.com), and Fellowship founder Michael Anastasi of Gannett | USA TODAY Network (manastasi@tennessean.com).
Here is the link to the application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzWulFngJ8g6JKc6hpX2rdgnIOvgrxCGWcEQa_760XMJYauw/viewform
