The Tech Policy Press Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from professionals interested in exploring important questions at the intersection of technology, democracy and society. The year-long, part-time fellowship provides selected fellows with a $10,000 stipend, editorial guidance, an international professional network and opportunities to produce public-interest reporting and analysis.
Applications for the 2027 cohort must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 24, 2026.
The fellowship is designed to support individuals who have established expertise in a particular technology policy issue, geography or broader area involving technology’s impact on democracy and society. Tech Policy Press is particularly interested in work that brings attention to communities and regions that have historically been excluded from global technology policy discussions.
About the Tech Policy Press Fellowship
Tech Policy Press launched its fellowship program in 2023. Since its launch, the program has supported 25 fellows from 11 countries across three cohorts.
Previous fellows have explored important issues including:
- Artificial intelligence governance
- Technology regulation
- Digital rights
- The relationship between state power and corporate power
- Technology’s impact on democracy and society
- Other pressing technology policy questions
For the 2027 cohort, Tech Policy Press is looking for a new group of fellows who can contribute meaningful reporting and analysis on urgent and underreported issues at the intersection of technology and democracy.
The fellowship is structured as a 12-month, part-time program beginning in January 2027. Fellows will work remotely as independent contractors.
What the 2027 Fellowship Offers
One of the major benefits of the program is the financial support provided to each selected fellow.
$10,000 Fellowship Stipend
Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend to support their work during the fellowship.
The stipend will be distributed quarterly, allowing fellows to receive financial support throughout the year as they work on their projects.
Editorial Guidance
Fellows will receive ongoing editorial guidance from the Tech Policy Press team. This support is intended to help fellows strengthen their reporting, analysis and overall body of work.
International Fellowship Cohort
Selected fellows will become part of an international cohort of current fellows who can exchange ideas, provide feedback and collaborate where appropriate.
This creates an opportunity to build relationships with professionals working on technology policy and related issues in different countries and regions.
Monthly Learning and Exchange Sessions
Fellows will participate in monthly sessions designed to support and strengthen their work. These sessions provide opportunities for learning, discussion, feedback and the exchange of ideas.
Opportunity to Build a Significant Body of Work
Over the course of the 12-month fellowship, participants will have the opportunity to develop a substantial body of reporting and analysis around an important technology policy issue.
The fellowship can therefore provide a structured environment for professionals who want to deepen their expertise and produce high-quality public-interest work.
Visibility Through Tech Policy Press
Tech Policy Press plans to publish fellows’ work on its website and feature it prominently in its newsletter.
Fellowship projects may also be highlighted through:
- The Tech Policy Press podcast
- Special events
- Other opportunities to showcase fellows’ work
This can provide fellows with an opportunity to reach both the general public and decision-makers interested in technology policy.
Areas of Work for Fellows
Applicants are expected to have a clear area of focus and explain how their proposed work can contribute to public understanding and decision-making.
The fellowship welcomes work related to a wide range of technology policy topics.
Potential areas may include:
- Artificial intelligence governance
- Technology regulation
- Digital rights
- Technology and democracy
- Technology and society
- Digital governance
- State and corporate power
- Technology policy in particular countries or regions
- Underreported technology policy issues
- The impact of technology on communities
- Other issues that fall within Tech Policy Press’s editorial focus
Applicants do not necessarily have to restrict themselves to one specific topic throughout the entire fellowship. The program encourages fellows to respond to relevant news and developments as they relate to their area of expertise.
Focus on Underrepresented Communities and Regions
Tech Policy Press is particularly interested in projects that center communities and regions that are often left out of global technology policy conversations.
This makes the fellowship especially relevant for applicants who can bring perspectives, expertise or reporting from areas that are not adequately represented in mainstream technology policy discussions.
There is no specific preferred geographic or thematic focus for applicants from the Global South, according to the fellowship’s frequently asked questions.
Fellowship Responsibilities and Expectations
Successful fellows will have a number of responsibilities throughout the 12-month program.
1. Produce Regular Reporting or Analysis
Fellows will be expected to contribute reporting or analysis related to technology and democracy at least once per month.
Although topics may evolve after the fellowship begins, applicants should clearly explain:
- The topic they intend to focus on
- Why the issue is important
- Why they are well positioned to cover it
- How their work will contribute to public understanding and decision-making
2. Attend Monthly Cohort Meetings
Fellows must attend a mandatory one-hour monthly cohort meeting.
These meetings provide an opportunity for fellows to connect with one another and participate in the fellowship’s collaborative learning environment.
3. Attend Monthly Editorial Check-Ins
Fellows will also participate in monthly meetings with the Tech Policy Press editorial team.
These meetings will be used to:
- Review progress
- Discuss challenges
- Evaluate upcoming work
- Determine next steps
4. Collaborate With Other Fellows
Fellows may be expected to collaborate with other members of the fellowship cohort and the Tech Policy Press masthead when appropriate.
5. Meet Agreed Deadlines
Participants must meet all deadlines agreed upon with the Tech Policy Press team for their work and other fellowship outputs.
6. Disclose Conflicts of Interest
Fellows are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest connected to their work.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applications from professionals including:
- Journalists
- Researchers
- Lawyers
- Public policy professionals
Applicants should have a demonstrated interest or background in technology policy, media or a related field and be committed to producing high-quality public-interest work during the fellowship.
Applicants should also be able to demonstrate strong expertise in a particular technology policy issue, geography or broader area involving technology’s impact on democracy or society.
Tech Policy Press encourages applications from the Global Majority and communities that are underrepresented in media.
International Applicants Are Welcome
The 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship is open to applicants internationally.
The organization specifically confirms that international applicants are encouraged to apply and that the fellowship is open to candidates from around the world.
Applicants outside the United States do not need to be authorized to work in the United States to participate in the fellowship.
All fellows will work remotely as independent contractors.
What Counts as Published Work?
Applicants are required to provide links to previous publications.
A qualifying published work should:
- Be publicly accessible online
- Clearly identify the applicant as the author or contributor
- Represent work that has actually been published
Examples of acceptable published work include:
- Reported articles
- Policy analyses
- Issue analyses
- Opinion articles
- Essays
- Podcasts
- Newsletters
- Data projects
However, social media posts are not considered published work for this application.
Unpublished materials such as class assignments and dissertations are also not accepted.
Applicants who submit translated work may do so, but they must provide at least one submission written in English. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate their own command of English.
If a submitted article is behind a paywall, applicants must ensure that the pieces submitted for consideration are open access.
How Recent Should Your Writing Samples Be?
Writing samples should generally be from the past three years.
Applicants should therefore prioritize recent work that demonstrates their current expertise, writing ability and understanding of their chosen technology policy area.
Can Applicants Submit Co-Authored Work?
Yes. Co-authored publications are permitted.
However, Tech Policy Press recommends that applicants submit at least one solo publication as part of their application.
This gives the selection team an opportunity to assess the applicant’s individual writing and analytical capabilities.
Can Fellows Work Across Multiple Formats?
Yes.
Applicants will not be disadvantaged for being open to working in multiple formats. The fellowship welcomes contributions across different forms of public-interest journalism, analysis and related work, provided that the work aligns with Tech Policy Press’s editorial focus.
Fellowship Application Requirements
Applicants must submit an online application containing the required supporting materials.
The application requires:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Cover letter of no more than two pages
- Links to previous publications
- Two professional references
What Should the Cover Letter Include?
The cover letter should explain what the applicant hopes to accomplish during the fellowship.
Applicants should use the cover letter to clearly communicate their proposed area of focus and demonstrate why they are well positioned to pursue the work.
A strong application should make it clear what issue the applicant wants to explore and how their work could contribute to public understanding and informed decision-making.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship is:
September 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Applicants should complete and submit the online application before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Tech Policy Press application form.
Applicants should prepare their resume or CV, cover letter, publication links and two professional references before beginning the application.
Application: https://airtable.com/appfRgsTRubbZBBPq/pagINFzaysYPJ2qJ3/form
Information Sessions for Applicants
Tech Policy Press will host two online information sessions for people considering applying.
Registration is required.
Information Session 1
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. EDT
Platform: Zoom
Information Session 2
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
Platform: Zoom
Applicants can choose whichever session is more convenient.
The sessions provide an opportunity for potential applicants to learn more about the fellowship before submitting their applications.
Visit HERE to learn more about the 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship
When Will Selected Fellows Be Notified?
Tech Policy Press aims to notify applicants about their application status by early December 2026.
A selected pool of applicants may also be invited to participate in an online interview as part of the selection process.
When Does the Fellowship Begin?
The 2027 fellowship is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
The program will run for 12 months, meaning the fellowship will continue throughout 2027.
The fellowship is part-time, allowing participants to continue engaging with their professional work while contributing to their fellowship responsibilities.
Are Monthly Submissions Exclusive?
Yes.
Monthly submissions are expected to be exclusive to Tech Policy Press, although fellows may republish their work afterward.
This arrangement allows Tech Policy Press to publish and showcase fellows’ work while still giving fellows the ability to distribute their work more broadly after publication.
How Tech Policy Press Supports Fellows’ Work
Beyond the stipend and editorial guidance, the program provides an environment designed to help fellows develop their work and professional networks.
Participants can benefit from:
- An international network of current and past fellows
- Regular feedback and exchange of ideas
- Editorial support
- Monthly learning opportunities
- Opportunities to develop sources within their focus area
- Publication opportunities through Tech Policy Press
- Potential exposure through the organization’s newsletter
- Potential podcast and event opportunities
- A structured year-long environment for producing public-interest work
Why This Fellowship Could Be Valuable for Technology Policy Professionals
Technology is increasingly connected to questions surrounding democracy, governance, rights, public policy and society. This fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to dedicate a year to examining these issues through reporting and analysis.
The combination of a $10,000 stipend, editorial support, international networking, publication opportunities and a structured 12-month program makes the fellowship particularly relevant to professionals looking to expand their body of work in technology policy.
It can also provide a platform for people who want to bring greater attention to technology policy issues affecting communities and regions that are often underrepresented in global discussions.
Conclusion
The 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship offers journalists, researchers, lawyers and public policy professionals an opportunity to spend a year developing independent reporting and analysis on important questions surrounding technology and democracy.
Selected fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend, participate in an international cohort, receive ongoing editorial guidance and have opportunities to publish and showcase their work through Tech Policy Press.
The fellowship is part-time, remote and open to applicants worldwide, making it accessible to professionals both inside and outside the United States.
Those interested in applying should begin preparing their CV or resume, two-page cover letter, recent published work and two professional references well before the deadline.
Application deadline: September 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.
