Grant opportunity

ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026-2027

ProPublica will support five undergraduate journalists with mentoring, financial assistance and newsroom exposure during the 2026-2027 academic year.

FellowshipJournalismUndergraduateUnited StatesInvestigative reportingStudents
Funder
ProPublica
Applications close 17 August 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time
Applications close 17 August 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time: Aug 17, 2026
Award
USD 9,000 stipend, mentorship and conference support for five students
Applicant
Undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled full time in the United States who demonstrate financial need, are eligible to complete a US W-9 and want to pursue investigative journalism.
Discipline
Communications, Media and Journalism
Region
United States
Posted
Jul 27, 2026

Call summary

Overview

The Emerging Reporters Program helps students with financial need build investigative reporting skills and professional networks while completing their undergraduate studies.

Who can apply

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate juniors or seniors, demonstrate financial need, be eligible to file a W-9 and have a serious interest in journalism. The official notice contains the complete selection criteria.

What it supports

  • One-to-one mentoring with ProPublica journalists.
  • Investigative reporting development and professional exposure.
  • Participation in a journalism conference and cohort activities.

Funding and duration

  • Each of five selected students receives a USD 9,000 stipend.
  • The programme also supports eligible conference participation expenses.

Applications close 17 August 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time

Applications close 17 August 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time: Aug 17, 2026

How to apply

Complete the application on ProPublica's official recruitment platform by 17 August 2026.

Call details

Source-based overview

ProPublica's Emerging Reporters Program is designed for promising undergraduate journalists whose financial circumstances may limit access to professional opportunities. Fellows receive a stipend, sustained mentorship and exposure to investigative journalism practice.

Eligibility

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate juniors or seniors, demonstrate financial need, be eligible to file a W-9 and have a serious interest in journalism. The official notice contains the complete selection criteria.

Funding and benefits

Each of five selected students receives a USD 9,000 stipend.

The programme also supports eligible conference participation expenses.

Themes and supported activities

One-to-one mentoring with ProPublica journalists.

Investigative reporting development and professional exposure.

Participation in a journalism conference and cohort activities.

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 17 August 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time: Applications close 17 August 2026 at 9:00am Eastern Time: Aug 17, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Complete the application on ProPublica's official recruitment platform by 17 August 2026.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.