Aspiring journalists looking to build a strong foundation in investigative reporting now have an outstanding opportunity to accelerate their careers through the ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026–2027. Designed for undergraduate students with a passion for journalism, this prestigious program provides financial support, personalized mentorship from experienced investigative journalists, and access to one of the industry’s leading journalism conferences.
Every year, ProPublica selects five promising student journalists who demonstrate talent, dedication, and financial need. The program aims to remove barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing careers in investigative journalism by providing funding, professional guidance, and networking opportunities.
If you are an undergraduate student committed to making an impact through journalism, this program could provide the resources and support you need to grow professionally while contributing to the future of investigative reporting.
About ProPublica
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to producing investigative journalism that serves the public interest. The organization is internationally recognized for exposing abuses of power, uncovering corruption, and producing impactful reporting that leads to meaningful change.
Its journalism has earned numerous prestigious awards, including Pulitzer Prizes, and its mission is centered on accountability, transparency, and strengthening democracy through high-quality investigative reporting.
Recognizing that diversity strengthens journalism, ProPublica created the Emerging Reporters Program to help cultivate the next generation of investigative journalists from a wide range of backgrounds.
What Is the Emerging Reporters Program?
The Emerging Reporters Program is a year-long mentorship and professional development initiative specifically designed for undergraduate students who are passionate about journalism but face financial barriers that may limit access to valuable opportunities.
Each year, five students are selected to participate in the program, where they receive:
- A total stipend of $9,000
- Individual mentorship from accomplished ProPublica journalists
- Professional guidance throughout the academic year
- Attendance at a major journalism conference
- Networking opportunities with experienced investigative reporters
- Career development support
- Exposure to investigative journalism techniques and best practices
The program focuses on helping students strengthen their reporting, storytelling, research, interviewing, and investigative journalism skills while preparing them for successful careers in news organizations.
Financial Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of the Emerging Reporters Program is its generous financial support.
Selected participants receive:
- Total stipend of $9,000
- Two payments of $4,500
- First payment at the beginning of the program
- Second payment at the program’s midpoint
The stipend is intended to reduce financial pressures that often prevent talented students from gaining journalism experience through internships, campus publications, or local news organizations.
Additional Benefits
Beyond financial assistance, participants gain access to several valuable professional development opportunities.
These include:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced investigative journalists
- Individual career guidance
- Professional networking opportunities
- Participation in a nationally recognized journalism conference
- Paid conference travel and accommodation
- Exposure to investigative journalism techniques
- Feedback on reporting and writing
- Long-term professional relationships with industry experts
- Increased career readiness for journalism roles
Why Was the Program Created?
ProPublica believes that investigative journalism should reflect the communities it serves.
Many aspiring journalists face significant barriers, including:
- Financial limitations
- Limited access to mentors
- Unpaid internships
- Lack of professional training opportunities
- Limited newsroom exposure
Without journalists from diverse backgrounds, important stories and perspectives may never receive the attention they deserve.
The Emerging Reporters Program was established to reduce these barriers by supporting talented students who might otherwise struggle to access meaningful journalism opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
The program is intended for undergraduate students who demonstrate both talent and financial need.
Applicants should be passionate about journalism and interested in investigative reporting.
Students who have participated in:
- Campus newspapers
- Student magazines
- University websites
- College television stations
- College radio stations
- Local news organizations
- Journalism internships
are encouraged to apply.
However, ProPublica also recognizes that many students cannot access unpaid internships or newsroom opportunities because of financial constraints.
Applicants who have found other ways to develop journalism skills are equally encouraged to explain their experiences in their applications.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be an undergraduate student.
- Be entering junior or senior year during the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Maintain a full course load during the academic year.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Show a strong commitment to journalism as a career.
- Be eligible to file U.S. taxes.
- Be able to submit a completed W-9 form.
- Possess a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident eligible to complete U.S. tax documentation.
Preferred Candidates
While all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, ProPublica places particular emphasis on students who:
- Demonstrate exceptional motivation
- Show strong journalistic potential
- Have overcome financial barriers
- Are committed to investigative reporting
- Come from communities traditionally underrepresented in journalism
- Demonstrate curiosity and initiative
- Show dedication to public-interest reporting
Program Duration
The 2026–2027 Emerging Reporters Program runs:
Late September 2026 through June 2027
Throughout the program, participants will remain in regular contact with their assigned mentors through:
- Phone calls
- Email communication
- Professional coaching sessions
- Career guidance
Mentorship Experience
Each participant is paired with an experienced ProPublica journalist.
Rather than selecting mentors themselves, students are matched based on:
- Journalism interests
- Reporting goals
- Areas of specialization
- Career aspirations
This personalized matching process helps ensure participants receive guidance aligned with their professional interests.
Journalism Conference Opportunity
An exciting feature of the program is participation in a major journalism conference, such as the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) Conference.
Participants do not need to pay for:
- Conference registration
- Accommodation
- Other conference-related expenses
All eligible conference expenses are covered by ProPublica.
Conference dates will be announced later.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
ProPublica is committed to creating a newsroom that better reflects the communities it serves.
The organization strongly encourages applications from individuals belonging to communities that have historically been underrepresented in journalism, including:
- Women
- People of color
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- People with disabilities
ProPublica maintains an equal opportunity environment and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on legally protected characteristics.
How to Apply
Interested students should prepare a competitive application demonstrating:
- Passion for journalism
- Interest in investigative reporting
- Evidence of journalistic work or experience
- Financial need
- Career aspirations
- Dedication to learning and public-interest reporting
Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
Questions About the Program
Applicants with additional questions may contact:
Assistant Managing Editor: Talia Buford
Email: talent@propublica.org
Please note that ProPublica requests no phone calls regarding the program.
Visit HERE to learn more about the ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026–2027
Application Deadline
Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Conclusion
The ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026–2027 represents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring investigative journalists seeking financial support, mentorship, and professional development. With a generous $9,000 stipend, personalized guidance from accomplished journalists, and fully funded participation in a major journalism conference, the program provides students with invaluable resources to strengthen their reporting skills and launch meaningful careers in journalism. By investing in talented students from diverse backgrounds and removing financial barriers, ProPublica continues to help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for investigative journalism. Eligible students who are passionate about public-interest reporting should take advantage of this unique opportunity and submit a compelling application before the deadline.
For more global fellowship opportunities visit OFY HERE
