2026 Tech Policy Press Fellowship Program

If you are passionate about technology, democracy, and want to shape global conversations with impactful reporting, the 2026 Tech Policy Press Fellowship Program offers a unique platform. Applications are now open for a year-long remote fellowship designed to support independent journalists, researchers, and public policy professionals pursuing original work at the intersection of tech and governance. 

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Remote (work-from-anywhere independent contractor model)

• Host: Tech Policy Press (a nonprofit media and community venture focused on technology and democracy)

• Audience: Journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals

• Target Group: Applicants from the Global Majority and underrepresented communities in media are especially encouraged to apply

• Fields of Focus: Tech policy topics—AI governance, tech regulation, digital rights, the interplay of state and corporate power, and other urgent questions linking technology with democracy

• Value & Coverage: $10,000 stipend, disbursed quarterly to support fellows’ work

• Duration: 12 months, commencing January 2026

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

• Start Date: January 2026

• Eligible To: International applicants, especially those from underrepresented communities; open to professionals with a demonstrated commitment to public-interest tech policy or journalism

📚 Fellowship Overview

The Tech Policy Press Fellowship offers a part-time, year-long opportunity for journalists, researchers, lawyers, or public policy professionals to pursue independent reporting or policy analysis at the nexus of technology and democracy. Fellows receive substantial support, both financial and editorial, to build impactful, high-quality public-interest work.

🧩 Structure, Curriculum & Activities

• Stipend & Support: Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend, distributed quarterly, to fund their projects.

• Editorial & Peer Engagement:

  • Participation in an international cohort, fostering regular feedback and peer exchange.

  • Ongoing editorial guidance from the Tech Policy Press team.

  • Mandatory monthly sessions:

    • A 1-hour cohort meeting for group exchange.

    • A separate check-in with editorial staff to discuss progress and next steps.

• Outputs & Accountability:

  • Fellows must contribute at least monthly analysis or reporting on a clear topic related to tech and democracy (with the possibility of adjusting focus later).

  • Collaborate with other fellows and Tech Policy Press masthead when appropriate.

  • Must meet deadlines and disclose conflicts of interest.

🎁 Benefits

• Focused Support for a Year: Carve out dedicated space to pursue original, underreported stories or policy analysis.

• Robust Body of Work: Opportunity to develop and publish a substantial collection of your work.

• Global Collaborative Network: Join a cohort with diverse perspectives to broaden your understanding and approach.

• Editorial Mentorship: Regular guidance to strengthen your analysis and storytelling.

• Professional Exposure: Projects will be featured on the Tech Policy Press website, promoted via their newsletter, highlighted on their podcast, and shared at events.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Professional Background: Suitable for journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals with experience or interest in tech policy.

• Perspective: Candidates from underrepresented media communities and the Global Majority are especially encouraged.

• Proposed Project: Application must outline a clear area of focus and justify why you're well-positioned to address it.

📝 Application Procedure

1. Submit via online form by October 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EDT).

2. Required documents:

   • CV or resume

   • Cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining your goals and proposed project

   • Links to prior publications (publicly accessible and clearly attributed—you may include stories, essays, analysis pieces, podcasts, newsletters; dissertations or classwork are not acceptable)

3. Information Sessions (via Zoom):

   • September 9, 2025 at 9 a.m. EDT

   • September 16, 2025 at 7 p.m. EDT 

4. Selection & Notification: Decisions expected by early December 2025; candidates may be invited for online interviews.

5. Timeline: Fellowship starts January 2026, lasting 12 months.

💡 Additional Insights

• Past Impact: Since 2023, Tech Policy Press has supported 15 fellows from seven countries, yielding over 90 original stories on issues like AI governance, digital rights, and state–corporate power.

• Voices from Fellowship Alumni:

  • Dean Jackson (2024 Fellow) described it as a valuable space: “Tech Policy Press gave me the space to explore important issues outside of my 9 to 5 work... I'm grateful to have learned from them.”

  • Jasmine Mithani (2025 Fellow) noted improved nuance and robustness in her stories thanks to cohort and staff mentorship.