Journalism Fellowship

Call for Applications: Journalism Fellowship at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture 

Al-Bustan is a seeking talented and motivated writer and/or multimedia storyteller for a six-month fellowship with Al-Bustan’s new online journal. The fellow will produce engaging original stories in a variety of media for and about Arab American and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) communities in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This is a part-time, freelance role.  

Al-Bustan’s community-focused, arts-forward community media platform highlights the diversity, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of the Arabic-speaking and broader SWANA diaspora in the Philadelphia region, featuring interviews, essays, photography, short-form video, data visualizations, reviews, event coverage, and profiles.  

Location: 

Remote within the Philadelphia area, with periodic in-person meetings at the Al-Bustan gallery at 310 W. Master St. 

Responsibilities: 

Submit 2–3 timely, engaging and polished stories per month, on deadline; stories may be in writing (~500 words), short-form video, audio, and/or other media as assigned or approved by the editor. 

Conduct in-person reporting whenever possible; meet with editor weekly via Zoom, in addition to occasional meetings at Al-Bustan gallery as needed. 

Monitor local news and events to pitch stories to editor on a weekly basis. 

Adhere to Al-Bustan’s editorial and ethical standards.  

Duration and Compensation:  

The fellowship spans six months from the start date.  

Fellows are paid $300 per story, for maximum compensation of $900 per month and maximum compensation of $5,400 for the duration of the fellowship. 

Required Qualifications: 

A portfolio of at least two published and bylined work samples, at least one of which should be written. Applicants without published writing or demonstrated writing skills will not be considered. 

Deep familiarity with and interest in SWANA cultures and communities in the Philadelphia region  

Full-time residency in the Philadelphia area  

A willingness to accept and incorporate revisions to drafts  

Strong communication and organizational skills 

Ability to work under deadline and submit drafts in a timely manner 

Valid U.S. work authorization  

Desired Qualifications: 

Fluency or proficiency in spoken Arabic  

Undergraduate degree in journalism, creative writing, communications, or related field 

Experience conducting interviews 

Understanding of journalistic ethics and standards 

Experience collaborating with an editor 

To Apply:  

Please send a cover letter, resume and portfolio of work samples to News@albustanseeds.org. Applications will be accepted until September 25, 2026.  

Please note that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications received after the deadline will be kept on file for a future fellowship round.