Writing Fellowship
“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 1990s to our esteemed Writing Fellowship, we believe communications tools empower young people to be active, civil, and curious citizens.
Nearly 800 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 our Spring 2026 cohort are now CLOSED.
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
This virtual fellowship, which is held via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm ET for six weeks, is designed for writers outside the DC area. This state-based fellowship features well-known writers and editors from Washington, DC, and nationwide.
This fellowship is a small-group writing workshop, allowing fellows to dive deep with instructors and receive personalized feedback. You must be able to attend all sessions.
AF got me my first byline in a national paper!
– Philip Wegmann, White House/2020 Reporter, RealClearPolitics
Meet The Writing Fellows Manager!
Matt Purple is the Writing Fellows Manager at America’s Future. He’s enjoyed a long career in journalism and publishing, during which his work has appeared in The Spectator, The American Conservative, Reason, The Washington Examiner, National Review, Rare Politics, and many others. He’s currently an editor at the foreign policy think tank Defense Priorities. His first book, a collection of essays called Decline From the Top, is available on Amazon.
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, Former 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 – Spring 2026
- Applications open February 4
- Applications CLOSE March 6 at 11:59 p.m. EST
- Participants are selected by March 11
- Class dates: Tuesdays (Virtual) and Wednesdays (DC) 6:30-8 PM
- Mar 17 and 18
- Mar 24 and 25
- Mar 31 and Apr 1
- (Break Week)
- Apr 14 and 15
- Apr 21 and 22
- Apr 28 and 29
Applicants will need to submit:
- Completed application
- A resume
- We require two writing samples, preferably published (no more than 1,000 words each)
A letter of recommendation may be sent to Alden at [email protected], but it is not required.
FAQ:
Do I have to be available to participate in all classes?
Yes. To participate, you must attend all sessions and respect all applicants and participants.
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.