For the fourth year, ProPublica invites up to 10 news editors from media companies across the country to participate in a one-year investigative editorial training program led by award-winning newsroom staff.
Applications are now being accepted for the ProPublica Investigative Editor Training Program. The submission deadline is Monday, March 30th at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
ProPublica is the nation’s leading nonprofit investigative news organization, focused on journalism that changes laws and lives, and advances the careers of the people who create it. The goal of this program is to address a critical industry need to expand the pool of investigative editors. Building a pipeline of talent is a priority that serves us and our industry.
“Journalism is essential to a healthy democracy, and it’s clear that our world needs investigative reporting right now, not less,” said Editor-in-Chief Ginger Thompson. “We believe the editor training program is an essential training ground to secure the future of investigative journalism. While others are signing up, we are investing in the future of our industry and the future of talented journalists across the country.”
This year’s program begins with a week-long bootcamp in New York and includes courses and panel discussions on how to think about and create research projects that uncover and impact harm. Editors will also receive training on how to manage reporters who work with data, documents and confidential sources, including whistleblowers, government insiders and people who have suffered trauma. The program also includes virtual continuing education sessions and support from ProPublica mentors.
FAQ
What is this?
The ProPublica Investigative Editor Training Program is designed to help expand the ranks of editors with investigative experience in newsrooms across the country to better reflect the country as a whole.
What kind of experience can I expect?
The program begins with an intensive five-day editing bootcamp in New York. The bootcamp includes a series of courses and panel discussions led by ProPublica’s senior editors, veteran reporters, and other newsroom leaders. This bootcamp includes hands-on editorial exercises and an opportunity for participants to workshop ongoing projects in their own newsrooms.
Participants will then meet virtually for seminars and career development discussions with colleagues and ProPublica journalists. Each participant will also be assigned a mentor from a ProPublica senior editor who will advise them on their story, management challenges, or how to best pursue their professional aspirations.
What skills do I need to learn?
How to evaluate story ideas and determine the appropriate scope, length, and time to complete the work. How to manage reporters through complex accountability stories and convey feedback in a way that builds trust and confidence. How to edit draft investigations, find holes in reporting logic, organize stories, and guide reporters through the fact-checking process. How to collaborate with research, data, and multimedia teams to improve your research projects.
When is bootcamp?
The five-day, fully self-paid bootcamp will be held in New York from May 31 to June 4, 2026, with remote sessions via Google Meet throughout the year.
Does the bootcamp have a virtual option?
This bootcamp is held in-person and does not have a virtual option.
Will I be responsible for the costs in New York?
ProPublica will pay for participants’ meals, travel, and lodging during the boot camp.
How many participants are selected each year?
Up to 10 journalists.
Who is eligible?
This program is open to anyone. The aim is to broaden the scope of investigative editors in the industry and include journalists from a variety of backgrounds. We encourage everyone to apply, including women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities, as well as those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and local news organizations. Past participants have come from a wide range of news organizations across the country.
The ideal participant is:
At least 5 years of journalism experience as an editor or reporter with primarily investigative or accountability-focused work. A solid understanding of the fundamentals of editing, storytelling, structure, and organization. Experience managing teams of journalists or complex multidisciplinary reporting projects. Accountability mindset: Although not required to have been on an investigative team, we are looking for someone with an eye for oversight reporting and editing.
If I live outside of the United States, am I still eligible?
no.
How do I apply?
The application period is now open and will end on Monday, March 30th at 9am ET. Posts to apply can be found at propublica.org/jobs.
What if I have more questions?
Email Associate Editor Talia Buford. [email protected].
