ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program assists college students who aspire to become investigative journalists by offering mentorship, training, and financial aid. The program’s participants benefit from a $9,000 stipend, attendance at the annual NICAR investigative journalism conference, and periodic training sessions featuring guest speakers. They will be matched individually with ProPublica reporters, who can guide them in developing their stories, establish their connections in the field, and introduce them to the diverse possibilities of careers in investigative journalism. Former Emerging Reporters have secured positions at renowned organizations such as The New York Times, The Associated Press, Fresnoland, Capital B, The Tributary, and more. Our objective is to inspire and support the upcoming generation of journalists committed to exposing abuses of power and creating impactful narratives that initiate transformation. When selecting the class, preference is given to students who showcase a commitment to journalism from an early stage, via internships, employment at local news stations, or contributions to campus newspapers. In situations where opportunities, which are frequently unremunerated, are unavailable, we search for alternative evidence of the student’s enthusiasm and determination to master the skill. Our exceptional student journalists for this year hail from institutions in Illinois, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, and New York. Please welcome the members of our 2026 cohort:. Thank you to Annisyn Krebs-Carr for this. Annisyn Krebs-Carr, a senior at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, is majoring in journalism and animal sciences. She serves as a journalist for Illinois Public Media Student Newsroom, covering the persistent housing crisis in Champaign-Urbana.
