This grant awards funds to current AAJA members in pursuit of professional development. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted into a professional development program. 

Candidates must commit to submitting a post for the AAJA website at the end of their training experience that highlights how the fellowship advanced them along their career path.

The application is open throughout the year, and awarded to multiple recipients up to twice a year. To be considered for funds towards AAJA ELP 2026, apply by January 6, 2026. Questions? Email support@aaja.org.

  • Must have an active AAJA membership
  • Must demonstrate leadership potential, or currently hold a management position
  • Must have a serious interest in continuing pursuing journalism as a career
  • Resume
  • One letter of recommendation
  • A letter verifying your acceptance into a professional development program
  • A brief statement describing any financial need
  • In 500 words or less, state your career goals and why AAJA’s mission is important to you.
DEADLINE: January 6, 2026
Testimonials
I want to thank AAJA and the Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship for providing such opportunities for journalists like me. The financial support and the training I received are life-changing. It did make me not only a better journalist but also a better leader and follower.
Analisa Puod
Analisa PuodDinah Eng Fellow 2022
Application

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AT LEAST 3 WEEKS BEFORE PAYMENT IS DUE FOR THE PROGRAM OR EVENT YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING. ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE TO BE CONSIDERED.

Note: Candidates must commit to submitting a post for the AAJA website at the end of their training experience that highlights how the fellowship advanced them along their career path.

About Dinah Eng

Dinah EngDinah Eng, a contributing writer for Emmy Magazine, was the nation’s first syndicated columnist, writing for Gannett News Service, then Scripps Howard News Service. Formerly an editor at Gannett Service, she also served as Editor of the USA TODAY/Apple College Information Network. Winning numerous awards, she received the 2006 National Association of Minority Media Executives Lawrence Young Breakthrough Award and the 1997 Columbia University Distinguished Service to Journalism Award. She served on the National Advisory Board of the Knight Centers for Specialized Education at the University of Maryland and the University of Southern California. A past president of AAJA, she started AAJA’s Voices Program, and founded AAJA’s Executive Leadership Program, serving as its director for 15 years. She received AAJA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND PRESS BY YEAR