Applications are now open for Documented’s Building Bridges: Immigrant Media Training Program 2026. This fully funded initiative offers six newsrooms across the United States and its territories the opportunity to launch community-driven journalism projects with immigrant communities. Each newsroom selected will receive a $10,000 stipend and access to expert training to design sustainable, inclusive editorial products.
About the Training Program
The Building Bridges: Immigrant Media Training Program is a hands-on, project-based initiative that helps local newsrooms strengthen their coverage of immigrant communities. Documented, a nonprofit newsroom based in New York, developed this program to address the gap left by the decline of local and ethnic news outlets.
The training builds on Documented’s successful model, such as Documented Semanal, a Spanish-language WhatsApp newsletter created in response to immigrant community needs. By following this approach, participating newsrooms will learn how to listen, design, and launch journalism products that reflect immigrant voices while building trust and long-term relationships.
What Participants Receive
- $10,000 stipend to support the launch of a new editorial product.
- Access to a 15-module training course on inclusive reporting, stakeholder engagement, and funding sustainability.
- Weekly virtual sessions and office hours with Documented staff and subject experts.
- Entry into a final investment round for additional funding.
- Membership in a peer support network for ongoing collaboration.
Also Read: Commonwealth Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarships 2026/2027 in the UK
Who Can Apply
The program is open to reporters, editors, producers, and newsroom managers across the U.S. and its territories. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to serving immigrant communities.
Each newsroom must:
- Dedicate one full-time employee to attend weekly sessions.
- Assign at least one staff member (part-time or full-time) to support product development and fundraising.
Timeline
- Applications Open: September 2, 2025
- Deadline: October 12, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT)
- Program Dates: Mid-January 2026 – Early May 2026
Participants should expect to commit 8–10 hours per week for training, assignments, and product development.
Why This Matters
Immigrant communities are often underserved by mainstream media. Documented’s program ensures that U.S. newsrooms have the tools, resources, and funding to bridge this gap and create impactful journalism. With support from the Knight Foundation and other partners, the initiative empowers journalists to create long-lasting editorial products rooted in inclusivity, ethics, and trust.
Apply Now to be part of the Documented Media Training Program 2026 and bring meaningful change to your newsroom and community.
