Building careers, expanding newsrooms, strengthening communities.
New Mexico Local News Fellowships & Internships
From Classroom to Newsroom:
Empowering Future Journalists Across New Mexico
The New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships program provides career development experiences for journalism students and graduates from New Mexico public universities. Operated by the Communication & Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico, the program recruits and selects emerging journalists and matches them with mentors in local newsrooms. We give newsrooms enough money to pay competitive salaries to their fellows and interns. The program creates a powerful classroom-to-career pathway for a diverse selection of students, increases the capacity of local news organizations, encourages innovation, and strengthens democracy. Support for the program comes from the New Mexico Local News Fund, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, and other donors and supporters.
What People Are Saying
“I gained invaluable experience doing what I always dreamed of doing in an environment filled with highly skilled writers and editors. I was able to put lessons I learned in college to practical use and hone my writing through penning over 200 articles. The people I worked with, the challenges I faced and the hours I wrote all helped me grow as a person, professional and journalist.”
— 2024–2025 Santa Fe New Mexican Fellow Kylie Garcia, now a reporter at The Albuquerque Journal
“The Local News Fellowship has become a strong thread in the net that journalism provides for democracy. In the years I've worked with the program, it has grown stronger and more relevant. It's a vital part of the college-to-career path for the critical thinkers who will carry New Mexico into the coming decades.”
— Newsroom Host Matt Grubs, News Director, KOB-TV
“Of all the investments that can be made in local news today, this is the one with the potential for the most long term impact. The program helps us keep emerging local talent here in New Mexico. Without these programs, our best young journalists will find a home out of New Mexico and we need them here now more than ever.”
— Newsroom Host Pat Davis, nm.news
Meet the 2025–2026 cohort
This year we fielded the largest and most geographically diverse cohort of Local News Fellows and Interns yet! For the 2025–2026 cycle, eight fellows and 11 interns were placed across the state, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to newsrooms in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Silver City and beyond. These talented journalists will expand local coverage and help shape the future of journalism in New Mexico.
Support the Program
Join the New Mexico Local News Fund in empowering local newsrooms and nurturing the next generation of journalists. Your support ensures that communities across the state have access to vital, trustworthy information.
