Are you a college student of color interested in doing great journalism? ProPublica wants to help. Apply for our Emerging Reporters program by Dec. 2.

What is ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program?

The Emerging Reporters Program provides a $9,000 stipend, along with mentoring, and trips to the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting conference and our New York office for five students each year who work or want to work at college journalism outlets — newspapers, websites, radio stations or TV stations. Check out our previous fellows.

Why does ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program exist?

Our nation’s newsrooms do not reflect America’s diversity. A new survey by the American Society of News Editors, for example, suggests that people of color make up just a quarter of U.S. newsrooms — and that itself is only among newsrooms that chose to respond to the survey. Often, those numbers are even smaller in newsrooms focused on investigative reporting.

ProPublica has a vested interest in developing more journalists with diverse voices. Our mission is to shine a light on abuses of power, producing stories of moral force that provoke change. There are currently few reporters of color who specialize in investigations. Without diverse voices and points of view among investigative reporters, there is every reason to believe that important stories are being overlooked. We believe the best way to bring about meaningful change is to take a holistic approach, tackling the obstacles to entering careers in journalism — especially investigative journalism. These include financial barriers and limited access to early-career opportunities. That is what this program aims to address.

Am I eligible for this program?

The Emerging Reporters Program is specifically designed for those who might find investigative journalism inaccessible. African Americans, Latinos and other people of color are especially encouraged to apply. It is only for current undergraduate or graduate students taking full-time classes in the academic year and those who can demonstrate financial need. The purpose of the stipends is to make college journalism accessible to students for whom it would otherwise be economically out of reach.

Are high school students or recent college graduates eligible for the program?

No, it is only available for college or graduate students taking classes in the academic year.

I’m not a U.S. resident. Am I eligible to apply?

No. The Emerging Reporters program is only open to U.S. residents.

What do you mean by U.S. resident? Can you make any exceptions to this rule?

U.S. residents are U.S. citizens or resident aliens. We will not be making any exceptions to this rule.

When does the program typically run?

This year’s program will begin in January and run through the end of August, with mentors and program participants in contact by phone and email.

How do the mentorships work? Do I get to choose mine or is one assigned to me?

Before your program begins, the program director will contact you to discuss your journalistic interests and experience. We’ll then match you with one of our journalists for the academic year.

Do I get to work on stories with ProPublica?

Yes! As an Emerging Reporter, you will likely be brought in to help on ProPublica’s ongoing investigations.

Do students need to find their own housing for the week they are visiting ProPublica?

No! Hotel accommodations for the week in New York will be provided by the fellowship program. The dates of that trip are to be determined.

Are there regular benchmarks that need to be met to qualify for continued funding?

No, stipends of $4,500 will be paid at the beginning and midway point of the program.

If I have any questions that weren’t answered here, whom do I contact?

Email [email protected] with any additional questions.