Since 2009, ISF has been providing scholarships, internships, fellowships, and film grants to students majoring in law, policy, film, and media with the goal of empowering American Muslims who are shaping public policy and influencing public opinion.

 The goal of the fellowship is for participants to work in congressional offices and to become well-versed in the creation and implementation of policy. In addition, fellows will learn how to shape policies in a way that is inclusive and doesn't undermine the needs of any marginalized group.

 The ideal candidate will demonstrate potential in impacting public policy and working for the government,  alignment with the ISF mission and vision, excellent communication, and leadership.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE MUSLIM CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP:
 

• Must be a member of the Muslim community
• Graduated from an accredited university;
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. green card holder, or DACA recipient;
• Minimum of one year of professional experience in the field of policy. Three years experience preferred.
• Applicants should have a proven commitment to policy-making and public service.

This program offers a competitive salary of $40,000 for the 9-month fellowship. For more information, visit our website.

Since 2009, ISF has been providing scholarships, internships, fellowships, and film grants to students majoring in law, policy, film, and media with the goal of empowering future leaders who are shaping public policy and influencing public opinion.

The goal of this paid internship is for interns to work in congressional offices to become well-versed in the creation and implementation of policy. In addition, interns will learn how to shape policies in a way that is inclusive and which doesn't undermine the needs of any marginalized group. Further, practitioners in the field will answer the question of how policy can remedy injustice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate potential in impacting public policy and working for government, alignment with the ISF mission and vision,  excellent communication, and leadership.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE MUSLIM CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP:
 

• An active member of the Muslim community;
• Enrolled at an accredited university in the U.S. or graduated within the last one year;
• Majoring in an ISF supported major;
• Maintaining a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average;
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. green card holder or DACA recipient;
• An undergraduate student (incoming junior-senior) or of graduate standing (excluding Ph.D.) or recent graduate
• Applicants should have proven commitment to policy-making and public service.

Be sure to learn more about the program's eligibility and requirements on our website.

The ISF Journalism Fellowship is a one-year program that provides financial assistance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to students and recent graduates pursuing internships with newsrooms. ISF will award up to 2 fellowships in 2025. Those who have secured internships lasting a minimum of 8 weeks are eligible to apply for a stipend of up to $10,000, professional one-on-one mentorship and coaching, support to attend a journalism conference, and enrollment in ISF’s Journalism Bridge Program to facilitate job placement after the Fellowship.

Eligibility  

• Be authorized to work in the U.S. (a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient)
• An undergraduate (junior or senior) or of graduate standing enrolled in a journalism program or related field OR recent graduates within the last 12 months.
• Secure an internship with a newsroom.
• The internship must be in-person and cannot be a remote position.
• The minimum internship duration must be 8 weeks.
• Show a proven commitment to pursuing a career in journalism.

Requirements

1. 60-Second Video Introduction
2. Resume
3. Story Clip
4. Letter of Recommendation
5. Internship Job Description
6. 2 short essay responses

Benefits 

• Up to $10,000 stipend to support living costs associated with an in-person internship.
• Up to $5,000 travel stipend to attend a national journalism conference, providing networking and professional development opportunities.
• One-on-one coaching from ISF Media Programs.
• Mentorship from a professional journalist, with monthly check-ins for guidance and career insight.
• Enrollment in ISF’s Journalism Bridge Program, which offers monthly coaching and job placement support throughout the Fellowship.

Please email firdaus@islamicscholarshipfund.org for any questions or concerns.

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) is proud to launch a new Media Program initiative in partnership with the Diversity Pledge Institute (DPI) to advance journalism career opportunities for ISF’s alumni community. This professional development program is designed to support 10 ISF Media alumni for up to one year who are navigating career transitions and seeking support to grow and thrive in journalism.
 

Program Features

Personalized Monthly Coaching

Tailored one-on-one career guidance from industry professionals to help participants meet their specific goals.

Talent Directory Inclusion

All participants will be featured in a curated directory shared with hiring managers and recruiters seeking diverse candidates.

Convention Support

Participants who apply by the priority deadline of June 9, 2025 and are accepted into the program will be eligible to apply for support to attend the 2025 Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) convention with ISF.

Eligibility  

• Previous recipient of ISF Media scholarships
• A U.S. citizen, or authorized to work in the United States.
• Journalists who are recent graduates, early career, or mid-career.
• Individuals who are currently unemployed and actively seeking employment as a journalist; exploring opportunities in newsrooms that are values-aligned; or freelancer or independent journalists seeking a full-time position in a newsroom.
• We especially encourage applicants from under-resourced and under-represented backgrounds in journalism to apply
   

Requirements

1. Personal Information
2. Resume
3. Story Clips
4. Questionnaire
    

Program Benefits 

• Strategic, values-based career coaching from people who understand the industry and your experiences
• Increased visibility with hiring editors, recruiters, and media leaders
• Opportunities to build a more sustainable, values-aligned journalism career

 Please email firdaus@islamicscholarshipfund.org for any questions or concerns.

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) is proud to launch a new Media Programs initiative in partnership with Religion News Service (RNS). This one-year journalism fellowship is a comprehensive incubator program that supports young Muslim professionals with funding, mentorship, career counseling, and real-world experience. 

The fellowship includes a 12-week, full-time, paid internship at RNS designed to provide hands-on newsroom experience and support for emerging Muslim journalists. Working in RNS’s remote national newsroom, the Fellow will produce consistent, high-quality reporting on the diverse stories and experiences of Muslim communities in the United States. 

The Fellow will receive wraparound support to build a career in journalism, including mentorship from seasoned editors at RNS, monthly coaching from ISF, matching with a journalist mentor, and enrollment in ISF’s Journalism Bridge Program to facilitate job placement after the Fellowship.

Eligibility  

1. Be knowledgeable and/or culturally familiar with Muslim communities in the U.S.
2. Demonstrate respect for a range of religious experiences and practices
3. Be authorized to work in the U.S. (a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient)
4. Have recently graduated from an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, or be taking a gap semester after completing at least three years of college
5. Have completed at least one (1) year of journalism school or have a background in a writing-intensive field of study (e.g., Religious Studies, Sociology, Anthropology)
6. Be available to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the internship
7. Show a proven commitment to pursuing a career in journalism

Requirements

1. 60-Second Video Introduction
2. Resume
3. Work Sample
4. Letter of Recommendation
5. 2 short essay responses

Benefits 

• A 12-week paid internship at Religion News Service, compensated at $21.75 per hour
• Monthly one-on-one coaching from ISF Media Programs
• Mentorship from a professional journalist, with monthly check-ins for guidance and career insight
• Enrollment in ISF’s Journalism Bridge Program, which offers monthly coaching and job placement support throughout the Fellowship
• Financial support to attend a national journalism conference, providing networking and professional development opportunities

     Please email firdaus@islamicscholarshipfund.org for any questions or concerns.

ISF is proud to sponsor the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim stories to change the narrative and tell Muslim stories.

Eligibility
All filmmakers are eligible for consideration. We review and consider the submission of all candidates regardless of experience, career status, or individual achievements.

• Project may be a narrative feature length, short film, animation, or documentary. Web series are not accepted.
• Filmmaker must film at least 50% of the project in the U.S.
•  Films must tell story of American muslim character and  themes
• Projects must be in production or post production (except for the social justice category)
• Projects must be consistent with ISF's mission of art changing public policy and public opinion.
• Applicants must own the copyright of the proposed project.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

Award Benefits
Grant amounts ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 are awarded to each category (narrative, special projects, and documentary) for distribution. 

• Creative support from an industry professional during creative process
• Mentoring and alumni film opportunities
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals
• ISF screening after completion of the film

Please email film@islamicscholarshipfund.org with any questions or concerns.

ISF is proud to sponsor the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim stories to reframe the narrative and tell Muslim stories.

Eligibility
All filmmakers are eligible for consideration. We review and consider the submission of all candidates regardless of experience, career status, or individual achievements.

• Project may be a narrative feature length, short film, animation, or documentary. Web series are not accepted.
• Filmmaker must film at least 50% of the project in the U.S.
•  Films must tell story of American muslim character and  themes
• Projects must be in production or post production (except for the social justice category)
• Projects must be consistent with ISF's mission of art changing public policy and public opinion.
• Applicants must own the copyright of the proposed project.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

 Award Benefits
 Grant amounts ranging between $5,000 and $20,000 are awarded to each category (narrative and documentary)
 

• Creative support from an industry professional during creative process
• Mentorship and alumni benefits for future film opportunities
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals
• ISF screening after completion of the film

 

Please email film@islamicscholarshipfund.org with any questions or concerns.

ISF is proud to sponsor the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim filmmakers to change the narrative and tell their own stories.

Eligibility
All Muslim filmmakers are eligible for consideration. We review and  consider the submission of all candidates regardless of experience,  career status, or individual achievements.

• Project may be a narrative feature length, short film, animation, or documentary. Web series are not accepted
• Filmmaker must film at least 50% of the project in the U.S.
• At least one member of the creative team (producer or director) must be Muslim
• The content must have American Muslim characters or American Muslim themes
• Filmmaker must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Award Benefits
Grant amounts ranging between $5,000 and $20,000 are awarded to each category (narrative, special projects, and documentary)

• Creative support from an industry professional during creative process
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals
• ISF screening after completion of the film

 

Please email film@islamicscholarshipfund.org with any questions or concerns.