One of the most powerful ways philanthropy can create impact is by initiating opportunities that might not otherwise exist.
This summer, philanthropic support honoring publisher and philanthropist Sara Miller McCune is making it possible for six young journalists to gain professional newsroom experience through the Sara Miller McCune News-Press Summer Fellows program. The paid, 12-week fellowship attracted more than 100 applicants and will help expand local news coverage across Santa Barbara County while providing hands-on training for emerging reporters.
The program is funded through the Sara Fund, a gift supported by Sage Publishing in honor of McCune’s 85th birthday and stewarded by the nonprofit State of Mind Cafe. The funding covers the full cost of the fellowship program, ensuring that students and recent graduates can participate in paid journalism work while serving their communities.
The six fellows bring impressive credentials and strong local connections. They represent Santa Barbara City College, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara and San Diego State University, along with local high schools, including Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara High. Many have already distinguished themselves as editors, reporters and photographers for student publications and local media outlets.
Throughout the summer, the fellows will report on some of the region’s most important issues, including housing, immigration, education, the environment, sports and breaking news. Their work will help the News-Press deepen its community coverage while giving the fellows invaluable experience in a professional newsroom.
For NEWSWELL, this fellowship illustrates what’s possible when philanthropy invests in local journalism. The impact extends beyond six summer positions. It strengthens a local newsroom, expands reporting capacity, creates paid opportunities for young journalists and helps build a pipeline of talent that will pay dividends for years to come.
In an era when many local news organizations have been forced to reduce staff and training opportunities, programs like this demonstrate how targeted support can create lasting benefits for both newsrooms and the communities they serve.
Read News-Press Editor Joshua Molina’s story to learn more about each fellow and the impact this program will have on local coverage this summer.
This update appeared in our June 5, 2026, newsletter. This version has been lightly edited for clarity.