The Taylor/Blakeslee Graduate Fellowships are offered by the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in science news since its founding in 1960. CASW supports the development of science journalists through a variety of programs, awards, and fellowships, including this particular graduate fellowship program. The fellowships provide critical financial assistance to students and working journalists who are pursuing graduate-level programs in science writing, helping to foster the next generation of science communicators.

The fellowships offer $6,000 to selected students and journalists who have been accepted into graduate programs in science writing. One special candidate with a focus on the physical sciences—such as physics, astronomy, or chemistry—will also receive an enhanced fellowship, which includes mentorship from a senior journalist and additional travel funding to support reporting projects. The fellowships aim to support individuals pursuing careers in science journalism rather than public relations or purely technical writing. CASW encourages applicants who are passionate about communicating science to the public and who demonstrate strong writing skills and interest in the field.

Eligible applicants include journalists with at least two years of mass media experience, which can include college newspaper work or other journalistic experience in any field, as well as students who hold an undergraduate degree. Applicants must convince the CASW selection committee that they are committed to careers in science writing for the general public. Fellowship funds are intended to help students complete graduate program requirements, covering expenses such as tuition, living costs, equipment, and travel. The funds cannot be used to finance internships.

To apply, students must already be accepted into a graduate science writing program by the application deadline unless their chosen program has a later acceptance date. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and may pursue their graduate education either full-time or part-time. Students already enrolled in a program must demonstrate they have at least one full year of study remaining to obtain a master’s degree or graduate certificate. CASW strongly encourages applicants from groups traditionally underrepresented in science and media professions to apply.

The fellowships are funded through a grant from The Brinson Foundation, a Chicago-based philanthropic organization supporting educational and scientific programs, along with additional support from CASW’s general fund and a bequest from the American Tentative Society. The fellowships are named to honor two pioneering Associated Press science writers, Rennie Taylor and Alton Blakeslee, who played key roles in advancing science journalism.