American Mandarin Society Next-Generation Journalists Program

Program Overview

Are you a young writer trying to develop a career writing about China? The AMS Next-Generation Journalists Program is a unique opportunity to hone your writing craft and build a track record of publication while under the guidance of an expert in the field. Through tailored mentorships with renowned journalists, this AMS initiative supports four young professionals committed to a career writing about China. Each writer commits to writing four pieces over the course of a year. They receive feedback from AMS mentors with the goal of publishing these pieces in respected publications or websites.

Current Mentors

Melissa Chan

Keith Richburg

Alexa Olesen

Richard McGregor

2024 Fellows

Han Chen

Johanna Costigan

Bochen Han

Hannah Pedone

Program Alumni

Note: This program has evolved since its inception and is now focused on mentorship for journalists. In past years, we have called it the Next-Generation Scholars program and accepted applicants from a broader range of China-focused professional areas. The program alumni below feature both scholars and journalists.

Arthur Kaufman

Jacob Kessler

Jordyn Haime

Alexander Boyd

Alexandria Williams

Daniel Xin Huang

Ricardo Barrios

Marjorie Perry

Chris Magoon

Emily Walz

Meaghan Tobin

Lorand Laskai

Qualifications

Applicants should be U.S. citizens or permanent residents 32 years of age or younger and have:

demonstrated commitment to developing a China-focused writing career
studied and/or worked abroad in Greater China
professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese
excellent writing skills
a high degree of personal integrity
a strong desire to improve his/her writing for publication

Application requirements

Interested applicants should prepare a résumé, a cover letter explaining interest in and qualifications for this fellowship, a relevant prior writing sample, and the names and emails of two references. In addition, please include a topic summary and work plan for the first article you propose writing in this program. Submit all materials to admin(AT)mandarinsociety(DOT)org. All applicants should register as members of AMS (sign up at mandarinsociety.org).

Application deadline

Rolling applications will open in December 2025.

The American Mandarin Society is dedicated to helping Americans develop and maintain their Chinese language skills, deepen their policy knowledge, and build the professional networks that allow them to engage in the vital work of strengthening U.S. competitiveness.

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