City Bureau Civic Information Fellowship 2026: Apply for the Paid Sixalism Program in Chicago
City Bureau is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Civic Information Fellowship, a paid, six-month program in Chicago designed for individuals interested in journalism, civic participation, and community organizing.
Overview
The City Bureau Civic Information Fellowship is a paid, six-month professional development and community engagement initiative based in Chicago. The program combines practical training, individualized coaching, and hands-on experience to help participants research civic issues and address the information needs of local communities. The fellowship is structured around a two-phase schedule:
- Phase One: Lasts 14 weeks with a time commitment of approximately 12 hours per week, offering a $5,000 stipend.
- Phase Two: Lasts 10 weeks for successful participants, requiring about eight hours of work per week with a $2,800 stipend.
Participants who complete both phases can receive a combined total stipend of up to $7,800.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet several key requirements to participate:
- Must live in Chicago or the surrounding area, as the fellowship requires regular in-person attendance at the Bronzeville office and travel across the South and West sides.
- Must have reliable transportation and legal authorization to work in the United States.
- No prior formal journalism background or specific professional qualification is required.
- Full-time students should carefully consider the substantial weekly workload before applying.
- Applicants are strictly prohibited from using artificial intelligence to complete their application materials.
Benefits
- Receive financial support through stipends totaling up to $7,800 across both phases.
- Gain practical training in community-centered journalism, research, and public-interest storytelling.
- Receive one-on-one coaching and professional development from City Bureau staff and editors.
- Collaborate with a cohort to design and implement a community information project.
How to Apply
Candidates must complete and submit the official online application form before the closing time. Prospective applicants should review the full schedule, verify their availability for mandatory in-person sessions, and ensure all application responses are written independently without AI assistance.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 11, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.