Writing Fellows

Writing Fellowship

writing

“Where the press is free and every man can read, all is safe.”
President Thomas Jefferson

America’s Future has a long history of cultivating strong communicators and advocates for free-markets, limited government and personal responsibility. From DoubleThink magazine in the 90’s to our esteemed Writing Fellowship, we believe communications tools empower young people to be active, civil, and curious citizens.

Over 650 young professionals from across the country are Writing Fellowship alumni. They’ve published books, communicated on behalf of elected officials and had bylines in prominent news outlets like:

The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal
CNN
USA Today
The Federalist
Washington Examiner
National Review
Reason Magazine

Do you share the same goals?

Applications for the Spring 2024 cohort are closed! Sign up here for updates on the next application window!


About the Writing Fellows Program

As a writing fellow, you will:

  • Learn how to pitch your work and build your portfolio
  • Hone your writing skills in policy, opinion, and journalism
  • Make connections with nationally known writers and editors

The Washington, DC-based fellowship (Spring 2024 only) is tailored for aspiring writers interested in covering issues and publishing in outlets surrounding our nation’s capital. The DC-based fellowship meets in-person on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm ET for six weeks and features prominent writers and editors from the DC area.

The virtual fellowship (Spring and Fall 2024 cohorts) is held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm ET for six weeks and is designed for writers outside the DC-area. This state-based fellowship features well-known writers and editors from both Washington, DC, and across the country.

Both fellowships are small-group writing workshops, allowing fellows to dive in deep with instructors and receive personalized feedback.

Food and beverages are provided during the in-person sessions–unfortunately, we haven’t yet mastered virtual beverages, so virtual fellows will have to BYOB. You must be able to attend all six evening sessions, whether in person or virtual.

Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions available for Washington, DC-based fellows or virtual fellows.

AF got me my first byline in a national paper!
– Philip Wegmann, White House/2020 Reporter, RealClearPolitics

Writing Fellows 10


Meet The Writing Fellows Manager!Writing Fellows 8

 

 

Matt Purple is the Writing Fellows Manager at America’s Future where he teaches writing classes to young activists. He’s a writer and editor whose work has been featured extensively throughout the media, including in the Washington Examiner, the American Conservative, the Spectator magazine, and Reason. He lives in Alexandria with his wife and two kids.

 

 

 

 

 


Writing Fellows 4

Ramesh Ponnuru, Editor at the National Review, speaks to Writing Fellows

Past speakers and guests have included:

Chelsea Follett, Managing Editor at HumanProgress.org 

Mollie Hemingway, Editor-in-Chief at The Federalist

Matt Kibbe, President of Free the People

Katherine Mangu-Ward, Editor-in-Chief at Reason 

Tim Carney, Senior Political Correspondent at the Washington Examiner, AEI Senior Fellow

Alexis Simendinger, National Correspondent at The Hill

Peter Suderman, Features Editor at Reason 

Ben Domenech, Co-Founder of The Federalist, Editor-at-Large of The Spectator World

Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement policy at the Cato Institute

 

 

 


Important Dates – 2024

Spring 2024

  • Applications open January 11th
  • Applications due February 14th at 11:59 p.m. ET. 
  • Participants will be notified by February 16th.
  • Course dates: 
    • Virtual: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET, beginning March 5th to April 16th. No class on April 2nd. 
    • D.C.: Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET, beginning March 6th to April 17th. No class on April 3rd

Can’t make the Spring 2024 cohort work with your schedule?  Sign up here for updates on Fall 2024!

How to Apply:

Applicants will need to submit:

  • Completed application
  • A resume
  • We require 2 writing samples, preferably published (no more than 1,000 words each)

A letter of recommendation may be sent to [email protected], but is not required.

FAQ:

Do I have to be an AF National Member to apply? 

No, but it is strongly encouraged! AF National Members receive preferential acceptance into all AF fellowships. Become a member today!

Do I have to be available for all classes to participate?

Yes. Out of respect for all applicants and participants, you must commit to all six sessions to participate.

What makes a strong candidate for this program?

Great candidates for this program will demonstrate strong writing skills and alignment with AF’s mission and values.

Do I have to reside in the United States to participate?

Yes.

Questions should be directed to [email protected].