The Tarbell AI Journalism Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious one-year program designed for early-career and mid-career journalists who want to report on artificial intelligence and its growing impact on society. The fellowship blends hands-on newsroom experience, expert training, and world-class mentorship to prepare the next generation of leading AI reporters.
Applications are now open until January 7, 2026.
About the Tarbell Fellowship
The fellowship offers a structured year of professional development focused entirely on AI journalism. Fellows receive:
- A nine-month placement at a major international newsroom
- A 10-week training program on AI and journalism essentials
- A weeklong summit in the San Francisco Bay Area
- A competitive stipend to support full-time participation
Host outlets for previous cohorts include Bloomberg, The Guardian, Time Magazine, MIT Technology Review, NBC News, The Verge, and other leading publications.
Stipend and Financial Support
The program provides generous financial support for the full duration of the fellowship:
- Early-career Fellows: $60,000 – $80,000, depending on location
- Senior Fellows (5+ years in journalism or AI): $90,000 – $110,000
All travel and accommodation costs for the San Francisco summit are covered.
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Why the Fellowship Matters
As AI technology rapidly advances, journalism plays a crucial role in explaining its risks, benefits, and societal impact.
The fellowship aims to:
- Support independent, rigorous AI reporting
- Hold major AI companies accountable
- Train journalists capable of navigating complex AI developments
- Build a global community of knowledgeable AI reporters
Fellows contribute to public understanding of issues such as AI governance, cybersecurity risks, misinformation, biosecurity concerns, and the growing influence of AI companies.
How the Fellowship Works
1. Newsroom Placement
Fellows work full-time as reporters at a major newsroom for nine months, gaining practical experience and building a portfolio focused on AI.
2. AI Journalism Fundamentals Program
Before placement, all participants complete an intensive 10-week, full-time remote course that includes:
- Custom AI curriculum
- Guest lectures from global experts
- Skill-building assignments
- Editorial training and feedback
Senior Fellows will also support workshops and mentorship sessions during this period.
3. Fellowship Summit
Fellows attend a weeklong in-person summit in the San Francisco Bay Area featuring:
- Panel discussions
- Skill workshops
- Networking events
- Sessions with leading AI journalists and researchers
Who Should Apply?
The ideal candidate is:
- Passionate about journalism (student newspaper or professional experience is helpful but not required)
- Deeply interested in artificial intelligence and its societal impact
- A strong writer capable of producing high-quality stories under deadlines
- Self-driven, persistent, and able to handle rejection
- Open-minded and committed to finding accurate, evidence-based stories
Applicants from all countries are welcome. Some placements may require eligibility to work in the U.S. or U.K., and visa support may be available.
If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you can contribute, you are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
The application includes multiple stages:
1. Application + Writing Samples (Nov 12, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026)
Submit your CV, answer short questions, and include 1–3 writing samples.
Estimated time: <60 minutes
2. Work Test (Late Jan – Early Feb 2026)
Complete a 2–3 hour task designed to test your ability to cover AI-related topics.
3. Interviews (March 2026)
Participate in:
- A 1-hour interview with the Tarbell team
- 1–3 interviews with potential newsroom hosts
Program Timeline
- Start date: June 8, 2026
- End date: May 31, 2027
Applications close January 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Anywhere on Earth).
For more inquiries, visit the Tarbell AI Journalism Fellowship.
