The ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program: A Lifeline for Aspiring Journalists

ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program is a cornerstone of its commitment to fostering the next wave of investigative talent. Participants receive a $9,000 stipend, alleviating financial burdens that often prevent students from pursuing unpaid internships and immersive reporting opportunities. Beyond financial support, the program provides access to the annual NICAR investigative journalism conference – a premier event for skill-building and networking – and ongoing training sessions led by seasoned professionals.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the program is the one-on-one mentorship provided by ProPublica journalists. This personalized guidance helps students refine their story ideas, navigate the complexities of investigative reporting, and build connections within the industry. The program’s success is evident in the career trajectories of its alumni, who now contribute to leading news organizations such as The New York Times, The Associated Press, Fresnoland, Capital B, and The Tributary.

ProPublica’s selection process prioritizes students who demonstrate a clear dedication to journalism, evidenced by internships, contributions to campus publications, or a demonstrable eagerness to learn the craft even in the absence of formal opportunities. The program aims to empower those who are committed to uncovering abuses of power and producing impactful stories that drive positive change.

Meet the 2025-26 Class of Emerging Reporters

The 2025-26 cohort represents a diverse range of backgrounds and interests, united by a shared passion for investigative journalism. These students hail from institutions across California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Georgia, bringing with them a commitment to local news and a desire to immerse themselves in real-world reporting experiences.

Annabelle Ink – Pomona College

Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, Annabelle Ink is a senior English major at Pomona College. As creative director of The Student Life and editor-in-chief of Agave Review, she’s honed her skills in both journalistic and creative writing. Her reporting has focused on political activism, covering student protests and administrative responses. Annabelle’s previous internships include roles at Honolulu Magazine, Honolulu Civil Beat, and the Claremont Courier. She plans to leverage her skills to explore the intersection of storytelling and social justice, focusing on issues of gender, criminal justice, and climate change.

Gabriel Velasquez Neira – University of Florida

Gabriel Velasquez Neira, a senior journalism student at the University of Florida, is deeply passionate about audio and data journalism. He currently interns at WUSF-FM in Tampa and serves as a deputy editor at WUFT-FM in Gainesville, reporting on topics ranging from the 2024 Democratic National Convention to Hurricane Milton. Gabriel’s prior experience includes internships at The Daytona Beach News-Journal and NBC 6 in Miami.

Kahlie Wray – Pennsylvania State University

Kahlie Wray, a junior at Pennsylvania State University studying digital and print journalism and English, is the managing editor of The Daily Collegian. She also interns with Centre Daily Times, covering local news across Centre County. Kahlie is currently engaged in a year-long collaborative project investigating rural public health. Her international experience includes a six-month reporting internship in Brno, Czech Republic, where she covered religion and the expat experience.

Lee Ann Anderson – University of Florida

Lee Ann Anderson, a senior journalism major specializing in data and investigative reporting at the University of Florida, is dedicated to telling in-depth stories that amplify marginalized voices. She participated in the Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship at Arizona State University, with her work on federal immigration policy appearing in the Associated Press and over 60 other publications. Currently, she interns at The Hill in Washington, D.C. Lee Ann is actively involved in several student organizations, including the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Press Photographer Association.

Safa Wahidi – Emory University

Safa Wahidi, a senior at Emory University studying political science and creative writing, has a proven track record of impactful journalism. As an opinion editor and columnist for The Emory Wheel, her writing has received national recognition. She has also contributed to Forsyth County News, CNN International, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Safa is particularly interested in local government accountability and food access, hoping to inspire community engagement through her reporting.

What role do you believe local journalism plays in a healthy democracy? And how can we better support the next generation of investigative reporters?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Emerging Reporters Program