Taylor/Blakeslee Graduate Fellowships Grant

The Taylor/Blakeslee Graduate Fellowships, offered by the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, provide $5,000 to journalists and graduate students in science writing programs. The fellowships aim to support those with a passion for science journalism, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Eligible candidates must have two years of media experience and be accepted by an institution before applying. This initiative honors the legacies of notable science writers, enhancing public understanding of science.

The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing offers fellowships of $5,000 to working journalists and students of outstanding ability who have been accepted for enrollment in graduate-level programs in science writing. Science writing includes writing about science, medicine, health, technology and the environment for the general public.
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, and by funds derived from a special bequest to CASW 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.

Eligibility

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.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.Fellows may attend school either full-time or part-time. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.Most fellowships cover the first full year of study. 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.

Ineligibility

Fellowships are not available to those intending to pursue careers in technical writing.