Taylor/Blakeslee University Fellowships

The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing offers fellowships of $6,000 to both professional journalists and students of outstanding ability who have been accepted for enrollment in graduate-level programs in science writing. One candidate interested in covering the physical sciences—such as physics, astronomy, or chemistry—will receive an enhanced fellowship that also includes mentorship from a senior journalist and additional travel funding for reporting projects.

Applications for fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year are now being accepted. The deadline for submission of all materials is March 17, 2025.

For more background on the Taylor/Blakeslee University Fellowships, see this page.

If you are a recommender wishing only to submit a letter in support of an applicant, please use the Letter of Support form.

Journalists with at least two years of mass media experience are particularly invited to apply. This can include work on a college newspaper or other journalistic experience involving reporting in any field. CASW welcomes anyone who can show good writing skills and interest in science journalism to seek these fellowships. Members of groups traditionally underrepresented in science and media professions are encouraged to apply.

Students must have an undergraduate degree and must convince the CASW selection committee of their ability and commitment to pursue a career in writing about science for the general public. 

Fellows may attend school either full-time or part-time and should have at least one year of study remaining toward a master's degree or graduate certificate. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and the funds are intended to support attendance at a U.S. institution.

Science writing includes writing about science, medicine, health, technology and the environment for the general public. CASW encourages applications from those committed to working in "science news deserts" where these stories are underreported. Preference will be given to those aiming to pursue careers in science journalism rather than strictly technical writing or public relations. At the same time, we recognize that some people do different kinds of science writing over the course of their careers.

To apply online, fill out the form on the next page and upload:

• Resume
• Samples of your writing
• A brief letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone who knows you. (Alternatively, the recommender can submit the letter using the Letter of Support form.) Up to two additional letters of support may be submitted.
• If you are applying for the enhanced fellowship for a student interested in covering the physical sciences, a brief statement of your background and interest in writing about physical science.

Note to applicants: The selection committee focuses on the overall quality of your application, not its length. Your personal statement should have the length that you feel is best for you. Concise writing is a valuable trait for a journalist. 

As Mark Twain put it: "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead."

Questions? Contact Laura Dattaro.