The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism, run by Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication in Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as co-founder, funds experienced journalists for nine months of in-depth reporting.
Fellows publish through their own outlet, or one they secure if independent, and lead two to three Marquette journalism students on the project. Most work from the campus newsroom; remote and hybrid applications are accepted.
Benefits & funding
- US$75,000 stipend for nine months; staff journalists keep their employer’s pay if higher.
- If moving to Milwaukee: rent allowance up to US$7,000–12,000 by family size, moving allowance up to US$7,000 (not for Milwaukee-area fellows) and up to US$750 for a house-hunting trip.
- Up to US$9,000 for reporting travel, research and equipment.
- Independent journalists may join Marquette’s health insurance.
Eligibility
- Staff or independent journalists residing in the United States or its territories; those living elsewhere are not considered.
- At least five years of professional journalism, employed or freelance; investigative experience preferred.
- Any general-interest medium, news or opinion; no academic prerequisites.
- Stories of international interest are open, but the focus is strongly on stories for US audiences, reported mainly in the US for a US-based outlet.
- Staff journalists need top editors to commit to publishing the work and keeping them employed through the fellowship.
- A full-time, nine-month commitment.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Residence required
USA · Puerto Rico · Guam · US Virgin Islands · Northern Mariana Islands · American Samoa
Experience required
≥ 5 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1From 1 December, you may discuss your idea with the director at obrienfellows@marquette.edu.
- 2Write a 1,250–2,000-word proposal answering the application page’s questions in order.
- 3Add a résumé, personal statement, short biography, work samples and three recommendation letters.
- 4Submit through the online form (or by email) by 30 January.
- 5The Selection Committee interviews finalists in spring; the Dean gives final approval.
Program timeline
applications expected to open
1 December 2026
30 January
deadline (last round closed 30 January 2026)
Spring
finalist interviews
fellows announced
April
fellowship year
Mid-August to mid-May