Journalism Students Named to ProPublica 2026 Fellowship
Students receive a $9,000 stipend and industry mentorship to help advance their investigative reporting careers.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Financial Aid
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ProPublica has announced its 2026 class of Emerging Reporters, a group of college students selected for their early dedication to investigative journalism. Participants in this program receive mentorship and financial resources to support their craft.
Why it matters
The program aims to foster the next generation of journalists by providing support to students who demonstrate drive and eagerness but lack access to traditional investigative opportunities. It serves as a pathway for students at institutions across the country to develop skills that produce real-world change.
Selected students receive a $9,000 stipend and travel support for the annual NICAR investigative journalism conference. The 2026 class includes participants from universities in Illinois, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, and New York.
The players
ProPublica
An independent nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest and supports emerging talent.
NICAR
An investigative journalism organization that hosts an annual conference for professionals and students to learn data-driven reporting techniques.
The details
ProPublica selects participants based on a demonstrated commitment to journalism through campus publications, internships, or local news outlets. Once chosen, students are paired with professional journalists for one-on-one counseling and receive specialized training through a series of presentations. The program is designed to fill gaps for students where traditional investigative journalism opportunities are otherwise inaccessible.
Timeline
ProPublica selected its 2026 class of Emerging Reporters in 2026.
Education Landscape
This program reflects a broader trend among media organizations moving to formalize financial support for student journalists to ensure accessibility. It contrasts with traditional, often unpaid, media internships by prioritizing direct funding for early-career development.
Students pursuing investigative journalism should look for programs that offer both mentorship and stipends to offset the costs of developing professional skills. If you are a journalism student, ask your department chair or career adviser about similar competitive programs and fellowship deadlines.
The takeaway
ProPublica's program demonstrates that dedicated investigative work can lead to significant financial and professional support for students. Keep an eye on institutional application windows and professional organization fellowship deadlines to identify similar opportunities for your own portfolio.
Further reading
Learn more about ways to fund your journalism training in the Financial Aid section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ProPublica.
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