National Security Media Fellowship

The Vandenberg Coalition’s mission to promote a strong and proud U.S. foreign policy hinges on having strong American leaders. To develop those leaders, The Vandenberg Coalition launched our inaugural National Security Media Fellowship in the spring of 2023, identifying emerging leaders in American journalism and working with them to provide strong policy ideas and resources for them over the course of their careers. It is critical that we remove any obstacles in the way of strong relationships between both policy-makers and journalists, given the vital role the media plays in preserving American democracy, bringing truth to the American public, and serving as both a conduit to and amplifier for the voices and views of the American people.

The Coalition hosted its third annual fellowship conference from Wednesday, November 5th through Friday, November 7th, 2025. Our fellowship class convened in downtown Washington, DC for a day-and-a-half long series of private, on-the-record briefings from some of the nation’s foremost experts on a range of issues tailored to both the present and future of U.S. foreign policy and national security. 

Our fellowship cohort comes from a variety of publications, primarily in the Washington, DC-area, with a range of experience from those recently joining the foreign policy beat to those who are a little more seasoned, having reported from across the globe. All have been identified as thoughtful, unbiased, and fundamentally curious journalists who are committed to the American public, civic discourse, and sharing facts.