Report for America wants rural newsrooms to apply for reporters by Oct. 3; information sessions Sept. 1, 15 and 22

Report for America is now accepting applications for newsrooms interested in hosting emerging and experienced journalists for up to three years, starting next summer—and rural newsrooms are especially encouraged to apply. The deadline is Oct. 3.

RFA is a nonprofit national service program, not unlike the Peace Corps, that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities in return for mentorship and training. The organization pays half the journalists' salaries, and local newsrooms split the rest of the cost with local donors (RFA can assist in fundraising).

The organization has been expanding its rural reach over the past few years to help thwart rural news deserts. In December RFA sought more than 40 new rural journalists for the program, bringing the corps to 325 members in nearly 270 newsrooms in the U.S. and its territories.

Report for America plans to hold online information sessions with newsrooms and partner organizations throughout the application period, including one today at 2 p.m. ET  at 2 p.m. ET Sept. 1, 15 and 22. To begin the application process or to learn more information, news organizations can visit www.reportforamerica.org or send an email to: recruitment@reportforamerica.org.