Empowering Tomorrow’s Investigative Journalists: Meet ProPublica’s 2025 Emerging Reporters Class!

ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program: Cultivating the Next Generation of Investigative Journalists

Date: [Insert Current Date]

Location: New York, NY – ProPublica, a renowned nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative journalism, has announced the participants of its Emerging Reporters Program for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to support and mentor college students aspiring to careers in investigative journalism, providing them with essential training, financial assistance, and invaluable industry connections.

Program Overview

The Emerging Reporters Program offers selected students a $9,000 stipend, access to the annual NICAR (National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting) investigative journalism conference, and opportunities for training sessions led by experienced journalists. Each participant is paired with a ProPublica journalist who provides one-on-one mentorship, helping them navigate the complexities of storytelling and the journalism landscape.

The program’s mission is to empower the next generation of journalists to expose abuses of power and produce impactful stories that drive societal change. ProPublica seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to journalism, evidenced by internships, work at local news outlets, or contributions to campus publications. For students lacking access to traditional opportunities, the program also considers alternative indicators of dedication and eagerness to learn.

2025-26 Class of Emerging Reporters

This year’s cohort includes exceptional student journalists from diverse backgrounds and institutions across the United States, including California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Georgia. Their collective commitment to local news and investigative journalism is noteworthy.

1. Annabelle Ink

   • Institution: Pomona College, Claremont, CA
   • Background: Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, Annabelle is a senior studying English. She serves as the creative director of The Student Life and editor-in-chief of Agave Review. Her reporting focuses on political activism, including student protests and administrative actions. Annabelle has interned at Honolulu Magazine, Honolulu Civil Beat, and the Claremont Courier. She aims to explore the intersection of creative and journalistic writing, particularly through the lens of gender in reporting on criminal justice and climate change.

2. Gabriel Velasquez Neira

   • Institution: University of Florida
   • Background: A senior passionate about audio and data journalism, Gabriel interned at WUSF-FM and served as deputy editor at WUFT-FM. His reporting includes coverage of the 2024 Democratic National Convention and Hurricane Milton. Previously, he interned at The Daytona Beach News-Journal and NBC 6 in Miami.

3. Kahlie Wray

   • Institution: Pennsylvania State University
   • Background: As a junior studying digital and print journalism, Kahlie is the managing editor of The Daily Collegian. She is involved in a yearlong project investigating rural public health and has reported on religion and the expat experience during a six-month internship in the Czech Republic.

4. Lee Ann Anderson

   • Institution: University of Florida
   • Background: A senior specializing in data and investigative journalism, Lee Ann has participated in the Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship, where her work on federal immigration policy was published by the Associated Press. She is currently interning at The Hill and has held leadership roles in various journalism organizations at UF.
5. Safa Wahidi
   • Institution: Emory University
   • Background: A senior studying political science and creative writing, Safa has received national recognition for her work as an opinion editor at The Emory Wheel. Her reporting interests include local government and political accountability, with a focus on encouraging community engagement through journalism.

Conclusion

ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program not only provides financial support and mentorship but also fosters a commitment to ethical journalism that holds power accountable. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of this year’s participants reflect the program’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of journalists who are poised to make significant contributions to the field of investigative reporting.

For more information about ProPublica and the Emerging Reporters Program, visit ProPublica’s website.

Contributors: Cedeem Gumbs provided research for this article.