The Emerging Reporters Program provides $9,000 stipends, along with mentoring and a trip to a journalism conference, such as the Investigative Reporters & Editors conference, to five students each year who work or want to work at college journalism outlets: newspapers, websites, radio stations or TV stations. 

Why does ProPublica’s Emerging Reports Program exist?

Without the perspectives of more journalists from diverse backgrounds, important stories are being overlooked. This program aims to lower barriers to entry and encourage the next generation of journalists.

Who is eligible for this program?

The Emerging Reporters Program is specifically designed for talented aspiring journalists who find investigative journalism inaccessible for financial reasons.

  • All students who will be full-time undergraduate juniors or seniors in the 2026-27 academic year are eligible to apply
  • Students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented are especially encouraged to do so.
  • Applicants who demonstrate financial need

We look for students who:

  • Demonstrate an early dedication to journalism as a career, through internships, work at local news outlets or work at campus publications.
  • And where those opportunities–which are often unpaid– aren’t accessible, we look for other ways the student has shown an eagerness and drive to learn the craft.

This program is open only to students who are eligible to file U.S. taxes and are able to provide a completed W-9 form, including U.S. citizens or U.S. residents.

Program Details

  • Program runs from late September to June
  • Receive $9,000 in stipends ($4,500 at the beginning of the program, and $4,500 midway through)
  • Get matched with an experienced ProPublica journalist for a year-long mentorship
  • Attend a prestigious journalism conference with travel and accommodation fully covered
  • Gain valuable investigative journalism experience and professional guidance
  • Build your network with leading journalist and industry professionals
  • Strengthen your career prospects in investigative and public interest journalism.

Apply Now – Apps DUE by Monday, August 17 at 9am ET

đź’ˇ Pro Tip
If you’ve demonstrated a passion for journalism through internships, campus media, local news outlets, or personal reporting projects—and you have financial need—highlight those experiences clearly in your application. Authentic storytelling and a commitment to investigative journalism can help your application stand out.