Taylor/Blakeslee Graduate Fellowships

The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing offers fellowships of $6,000 to working 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.

Science writing includes writing about science, medicine, health, technology, and the environment for the general public. Fellowships are not available to those intending to pursue careers in technical writing.

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.

Students must have an undergraduate degree and must convince the CASW selection committee of their ability and intention to pursue a career in writing about science for the general public. Fellowship funds are to be used to enable the student to complete requirements of the graduate program. They are not to be applied to fund an internship. Past recipients have used their fellowships to help cover tuition and fees, living expenses, equipment, and travel.

Applicants must be accepted by at least one institution prior to the fellowship application deadline, unless the institution of their choice has a later date for acceptances. CASW will confirm or update applicants’ admission status before fellowship judging begins. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Fellows may attend school either full-time or part-time. Applicants who are already enrolled should provide evidence that they have a full year of study remaining to acquire a master’s degree or graduate certificate.

Members of groups traditionally underrepresented in science and media professions are encouraged to apply.

The fellowships are underwritten by a grant from The Brinson Foundation, a Chicago-based philanthropic organization devoted to supporting educational, public health and scientific research programs. Additional support comes from donations to CASW’s general fund, including a bequest from the American Tentative Society, which, for three decades, played an important role in promoting public understanding of science and the scientific process. The fellowships honor the late Rennie Taylor, a science writer for Associated Press, whose estate provided funds for the establishment of ATS, and Alton Blakeslee, former science editor of Associated Press, who served as its longtime president.

Announcement of 2024–25 fellowship winners

List of current and past recipients

Applications for 2025-26 will be accepted from January 1 through March 18, 2025.

Apply and upload materials online at Submittable.

Please contact us with any questions.