The Tarbell Fellowship is a one-year program for journalists interested in covering artificial intelligence (AI). Fellows secure a nine-month placement at a major newsroom, participate in a 10-week course covering AI and journalism fundamentals, and attend a weeklong journalism summit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Host newsrooms in 2025 included Bloomberg, the Guardian, MIT Technology Review, Time Magazine, and many other leading outlets.
Program Benefits
- Stipend: Fellows receive stipends of $60,000 to $80,000, depending on location. Senior Fellows (with five or more years of experience in journalism or AI) receive stipends of $90,000 to $110,000.
- Newsroom Placement: Fellows are fully embedded as reporters within a newsroom for nine months.
- AI Journalism Fundamentals: Fellows complete a 10-week remote program on AI and journalism fundamentals, including a custom curriculum, guest lectures, and graded assignments.
- Fellowship Summit: Fellows attend a weeklong summit in the San Francisco Bay Area before starting their placements. Travel and accommodation costs are fully covered.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Passion for Journalism: Previous newsroom experience (including at student newspapers) is desirable but not necessary.
- AI Expertise: A deep interest in artificial intelligence and its effects on society. Experience in tech journalism, machine learning research, or AI governance is a plus.
- Writing Skills: Excellent writing skills, a creative approach to storytelling, and the ability to quickly get to the heart of a new topic.
- Self-Motivation: The ability to doggedly pursue goals and persevere in the face of adversity.
- Open-Mindedness: The desire to understand the truth of any given story, even when it conflicts with prior beliefs.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is January 7, 2026.
- How to Apply: The application process consists of multiple stages.
- Application and Writing Samples: Complete the application form, including a CV, short answers, and one to three writing samples.
- Work Test: Complete a two- to three-hour work task designed to test the ability to excel in a newsroom covering AI.
- Interviews: Complete a 1-hour interview with a member of the Tarbell team and 1-3 interviews with potential placement organizations.
Application Link:
For complete details and to submit your application, please visit the official fellowship website.
