Aspen New Voices Fellowship 2027

Overview

The Aspen New Voices Fellowship is a year-long media training and amplification programme for development experts from the Global South. The fellowship is highly competitive: around 20 Fellows per cohort, often with strong representation from Africa. Fellows work with veteran journalists, communications professionals, and senior Aspen Institute staff to develop public communication skills, op-ed writing, and media presence. The 2027 cycle closes 30 September 2026.

Benefits

• One-year structured training programme combining in-person seminars (typically four convenings) with intensive virtual mentorship.
• Round-trip airfare to convenings (locations rotate; recent convenings in Bellagio, Aspen, Berlin, Cape Town).
• Accommodation, meals, and ground transport during convenings.
• One-on-one media training with veteran New York Times, BBC, NPR journalists.
• Op-ed placement support targeting global outlets.
• Membership in the New Voices Fellowship alumni community of 280+ Fellows across 75+ countries.

Eligibility

• Citizen of, or working primarily in, the Global South (most of Africa qualifies).
• Senior expert in a development-relevant field (global health, agriculture, climate, education, gender, technology).
• Holding a Master’s degree (or higher) and 5+ years of post-degree professional experience.
• Working at an institution that supports public-facing communication.
• Strong English (the programme is run in English).
• Not previously a New Voices Fellow.

How to apply

1. Open the Aspen New Voices Fellowship page at the source link.
2. Complete the online application: CV, motivation essay (800 words), a sample of your writing or public communication, two references, and a one-paragraph nominating-org statement.
3. Submit before 30 September 2026.
4. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by phone or video in November-December 2026.
5. Final Fellows are announced by January 2027 for the programme starting in March 2027.