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 700 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 2025 cohort are closed! Fill out this interest form to learn about future cohorts!
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 is tailored for aspiring writers interested in covering issues and publishing in outlets surrounding our nation’s capital. It 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, 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.
Both fellowships are small-group writing workshops, allowing fellows to dive 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 must BYOB. You must be able to attend all six evening sessions, whether in person or virtual.
Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions are available for Washington, DC-based or virtual fellows.
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 was featured 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 due out in September.
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, Managing 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 – 2025
Spring 2025
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Applications open February 7
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Applications end February 28 at 11:59 p.m. EST
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Participants are selected by March 4/March 5
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Course dates:
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- Tuesdays (virtual) and Wednesdays (in person in Washington DC) from 6:30-8:30 pm ET
- March 11 and 12
- March 18 and 19
- March 25 and 26
- Break week
- April 8 and 9
- April 15 and 16
- April 22 and 23
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Can’t make the Spring 2025 cohort work with your schedule? Sign up here for updates on future cohorts!
How to Apply:
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 [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 to participate in all classes?
Yes. To participate, you must commit to all sessions out of respect for 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.