Writing Fellows Program
Do you dream of seeing your byline in places like:
The Federalist
CNN
Washington Examiner
USA Today
National Review
The New York Times
Reason Magazine
Your opinion matters–we’ll help you share it with the world.
Applications for the 2023 Summer Seminar are now closed! Stay tuned for updates on the Fall 2023 session!
About the 2023 Summer Seminar
Are you a policy wonk who loves getting in the weeds of an issue but struggles to explain the details concisely to regular folks? This summer, join America’s Future for a new D.C.-based, in-person Writing Fellows Seminar – Translating Policy for Real People: The Art of Wonky Writing.
In this seminar, you will:
- Learn how to take weedy policy topics and break them down into a conversational style
- Gain skills in technical writing and bridging the gap between academic and popular writing
- Leave with a complete and reviewed op-ed on a policy issue of your choice
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
Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions available for Washington, DC-based fellows or virtual fellows.
This program taught me the ins and outs of op-ed writing and pitching. I am much more successful in both areas because of the ample amount of instruction I received from Matt. I recommend this class for anyone who wants to write effectively.
– Caleb Larson, Writing Fellow Alumnus
The Washington, DC-based fellowship is tailored for aspiring writers interested in covering issues and publishing in outlets surrounding our nation’s capital. The DC-based fellowship typically 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 is held virtually via webcam 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.
Alumni have been published in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Examiner, National Review, Reason, Forbes, the Daily Caller, and many other publications. They have gone on to work as reporters and opinion writers at prominent media outlets, as staffers in the White House and on Capitol Hill, and as senior fellows at think-tanks.
[The program] gave me the know-how and courage to get published, to seek out new sources of information, and to use my voice to make a difference.
– Beth Bailey, Freelance Writer
Meet The Writing Fellows Manager!
Matt Purple is the Online Editor of The Spectator’s World edition. His writing has appeared in National Review, The American Spectator, Reason, The National Interest, and elsewhere. A graduate of The Catholic University of America, he lives in Alexandria.
Ramesh Ponnuru speaks to Writing Fellows
Past speakers and guests have included:
Mollie Hemingway, Senior Editor at The Federalist
Tim Carney, Commentary Editor at the Washington Examiner
Katherine Mangu-Ward, Editor-in-Chief & Vice President of Journalism at Reason Magazine
Alexis Simendinger, RealClearPolitics White House Correspondent
Anneke Green, Senior Director at White House Writers Group
Peter Suderman, Features Editor at Reason Magazine
Ben Domenech, Founder and Publisher of The Federalist
Romina Boccia, Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation
Julian Sanchez, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute
AF got me my first byline in a national paper.
– Philip Wegmann, White House/2020 Reporter, RealClearPolitics
Important Dates – 2023
Fall 2023
- Classes run from September 4th to October 24th
- Stay tuned for updates on when applications open!
How to Apply:
Applicants will need to submit:
- Completed application
- A resume
- We encourage 2 published writing samples (no more than 1,000 words each)
A letter of recommendation may be sent to [email protected], but is not required.