Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
Aspiring investigative journalists now have a valuable opportunity to sharpen their reporting skills while earning financial support. The ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026–2027 is officially open for applications, offering early-career reporters in the United States a structured mentoring experience and a stipend of up to $9,000.
The programme is designed to help emerging journalists develop strong investigative reporting skills, receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced ProPublica editors and reporters, and publish impactful stories that serve the public interest.
Programme Overview
- Host Organisation: ProPublica
- Programme: Emerging Reporters Program 2026–2027
- Location: United States (remote with reporting support)
- Programme Duration: Approximately one year
- Funding: Up to $9,000 stipend
- Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
About the ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026
The Emerging Reporters Program is a professional development initiative created by ProPublica, a Pulitzer Prize-winning nonprofit newsroom known for investigative journalism. The programme supports journalists who are still in the early stages of their careers and want to deepen their investigative reporting experience.
Selected participants will work closely with ProPublica staff to pursue accountability-focused reporting projects. Fellows receive editorial guidance, reporting support, and opportunities to publish their work through ProPublica and partner newsrooms.
Stipend and Financial Support
Successful applicants may receive up to $9,000 during the programme period. The stipend is intended to support reporting-related expenses and provide financial assistance while participants work on investigative projects.
In addition to the stipend, fellows gain access to professional mentorship, editorial coaching, and a national network of investigative journalists.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should generally meet the following criteria:
- Be early-career journalists with a demonstrated interest in investigative or accountability reporting.
- Have some reporting experience through student media, local newsrooms, freelance journalism, nonprofit news organisations, or other journalistic work.
- Be able to commit time to the fellowship activities and reporting projects during the programme period.
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States.
ProPublica welcomes applications from journalists with diverse backgrounds and encourages reporters from underrepresented communities to apply.
What Fellows Will Receive
Participants selected for the programme can expect:
- Up to $9,000 financial support
- One-on-one mentorship from ProPublica reporters and editors
- Investigative reporting training and editorial guidance
- Feedback on story development, sourcing, and reporting techniques
- Opportunities for publication and professional exposure
- Access to a network of investigative journalism professionals
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application through the official ProPublica fellowship portal. Typical application materials may include:
- A résumé or CV
- Work samples or published reporting
- A statement of interest or personal essay
- Story ideas or reporting interests
- Contact information and any requested references
Apply here: ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program 2026–2027 is 17 August 2026. Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early.
Why You Should Apply
For young journalists hoping to build a career in investigative reporting, this fellowship offers more than financial support. It provides direct mentorship from one of the most respected investigative newsrooms in the world, practical reporting experience, and the chance to produce journalism that can lead to meaningful public impact.
If you are passionate about accountability reporting and want to strengthen your investigative skills while earning up to $9,000, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.
