Fully Funded AI Journalism Fellowship in USA 2026

Tarbell Fellowship 2026–27 | AI Journalism Fellowship for Emerging & Experienced Reporters

The Tarbell Fellowship is a prestigious one-year programme designed to train and empower journalists who want to specialize in reporting on artificial intelligence. The fellowship supports emerging and experienced reporters in developing deep expertise in AI policy, ethics, governance, and technological impact — while also gaining hands-on newsroom experience.

It combines intensive training, global networking, and a full-time newsroom placement, making it one of the most exciting career-accelerating opportunities for journalists worldwide.

What the Fellowship Offers

The programme includes multiple components that run across approximately 12 months:

 1. AI Journalism Fundamentals (10-Week Training Course)

A structured study programme covering:

• Technical foundations of AI
• AI safety, ethics, and governance
• How to report on AI responsibly
• Investigation techniques for tech reporting
• Understanding global AI developments

This training is remote and prepares fellows for the newsroom phase.

 2. Journalism Summit in the San Francisco Bay Area

Fellows attend a week-long in-person summit featuring:

• Workshops by leading journalists and AI experts
• Networking with global media professionals
• Hands-on reporting sessions
• Strategy sessions for impactful AI journalism

Travel, accommodation, and meals for the summit are fully funded.

 3. Nine-Month Newsroom Placement

Fellows work full-time in top international media outlets, reporting on AI-related topics such as:

• Emerging technologies
• AI safety and governance
• Surveillance and ethics
• Societal impacts of automation
• Global tech policy

This practical experience helps fellows build a strong reporting portfolio.

 4. Stipend and Financial Support

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

• USD 60,000–80,000 stipend for early-career fellows
• USD 90,000–110,000 stipend for Senior Fellows
• Funding for training, travel, and summit participation

This financial support allows participants to fully commit to the programme.

Who Should Apply?

The programme welcomes both early-career and experienced journalists.

Ideal candidates include:

• Journalists interested in technology, policy, ethics, or investigative reporting
• Writers, researchers, or analysts who want to transition into journalism
• Professionals in AI or tech who want to broaden into reporting
• Reporters seeking mentorship, newsroom experience, and advanced training

Criteria for selection:

• Strong writing ability
• Curiosity about AI and its societal impact
• Commitment to rigorous journalism
• Ability to work full-time for one year
• Openness to relocating for newsroom placement (depending on outlet)

No specific technical degree in AI is required — motivation and writing skill matter most.

Programme Timeline (2026–27)

• Applications Close: Early January 2026
• Final Selection Announcement: April 2026
• AI Journalism Training Starts: June 2026
• Journalism Summit: August 2026 (San Francisco Bay Area)
• Newsroom Placement: September 2026 – May 2027

Why the Tarbell Fellowship Is a Career-Changing Opportunity

• Combines technical training + journalism training
• Provides direct newsroom experience, building credibility and industry connections
• Offers high financial support compared to most journalism fellowships
• Helps fellows build deep domain expertise in AI
• Connects participants with top journalists, researchers, and AI experts
• Creates a unique portfolio that stands out in the media industry

This fellowship can launch or elevate a journalist’s career, especially in the fast-growing field of AI reporting.

Final Thoughts

The Tarbell Fellowship is one of the most forward-thinking journalism programmes available today. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms every part of society, the world needs knowledgeable, responsible, and well-trained journalists to guide public understanding and hold institutions accountable.

This fellowship offers the training, funding, mentorship, and newsroom platform needed to become exactly that kind of journalist.