Tech Policy Press Fellowship Program 2027 | Elite $10,000 Fellowship for Journalists, Researchers & Policy Professionals

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Tech Policy Press is now accepting applications for its 2027 Fellowship Program, a year-long opportunity for journalists, researchers, lawyers and public policy professionals interested in exploring the intersection of technology, democracy and society.

The fellowship supports independent reporting and analysis on urgent technology policy issues, with particular interest in work that highlights communities and regions that are often underrepresented in global technology policy discussions.

Selected fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend, editorial guidance, professional networking opportunities and access to an international cohort of fellows. The fellowship is conducted remotely on a part-time basis and begins in January 2027.

About the Tech Policy Press Fellowship

The Tech Policy Press Fellowship was launched in 2023 to support professionals producing high-quality public-interest reporting and analysis on technology policy.

Since its launch, the program has supported 25 fellows from 11 countries across three cohorts. Previous fellows have explored issues including artificial intelligence governance, technology regulation, digital rights and the relationship between state and corporate power.

For the 2027 cohort, Tech Policy Press is seeking applicants with strong expertise in a specific technology policy issue, geographic area or broader questions surrounding technology’s impact on democracy and society.

What the Fellowship Supports

The fellowship is designed to give professionals the time, resources and editorial support needed to investigate important and underreported technology policy questions.

Projects may include:

Independent reporting
Policy analysis
Technology governance research
Analysis of artificial intelligence policy
Digital rights research
Technology and democracy
Technology regulation
Technology’s impact on society
Public-interest journalism
Regional and community-focused technology policy issues

Applicants should have a clear area of focus and explain how their proposed work can contribute to public understanding and inform policymakers and decision-makers.

Tech Policy Press particularly welcomes projects that center communities and regions that are often excluded from global technology policy conversations.

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Fellowship Funding and Benefits

Each selected fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend to support their work throughout the fellowship.

In addition to the financial support, fellows will receive opportunities to:

Develop a significant body of work over one year.
Receive ongoing editorial guidance.
Participate in monthly learning and professional development sessions.
Join an international cohort of fellows.
Exchange ideas and receive feedback from other fellows.
Build professional relationships with technology policy experts.
Develop a network of sources within their area of focus.
Have their work published and promoted through Tech Policy Press.
Participate in podcast features and special events where appropriate.

The stipend will be distributed quarterly.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open internationally and welcomes applicants from around the world.

Eligible applicants may include:

Journalists
Researchers
Lawyers
Public policy professionals
Technology policy specialists
Media professionals
Professionals working on technology and democracy issues

Applicants should demonstrate an established interest, professional background or expertise in technology policy, media, governance or related fields.

Tech Policy Press particularly encourages applications from the Global Majority and underrepresented communities in media.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and applicants do not need to be authorized to work in the United States because the fellowship is conducted remotely.

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows will work remotely as independent contractors.

Fellows are expected to:

Produce analysis or reporting related to technology and democracy at least monthly.
Clearly identify their proposed area of focus.
Attend a mandatory one-hour monthly cohort meeting.
Attend monthly check-ins with the Tech Policy Press editorial team.
Collaborate with other fellows and the Tech Policy Press team when appropriate.
Meet agreed deadlines for their work.
Disclose potential conflicts of interest.
Produce high-quality public-interest work throughout the fellowship.

While fellows can respond to emerging news and developments, applicants should begin with a clearly defined topic or area of expertise.

What Counts as Published Work?

Applicants must provide links to previous published work.

Acceptable examples may include:

Reported articles
Policy analyses
Issue analyses
Opinion articles
Essays
Podcasts
Newsletters
Data projects

Submitted work must be publicly accessible online and clearly attributed to the applicant.

Social media posts, unpublished material, class assignments and dissertations will not be considered as published work.

Applicants may submit translated work, but at least one submitted piece must be written in English.

Writing samples should generally have been published within the past three years.

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Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Provide an updated CV or resume highlighting your professional experience, education and relevant work.

2. Cover Letter

Submit a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining what you hope to accomplish through the fellowship.

The cover letter should demonstrate your experience, proposed area of focus and why you are well suited to the program.

3. Previous Publications

Provide links to publicly accessible examples of your published work.

Applicants are encouraged to submit strong examples that demonstrate their ability to produce high-quality reporting, research or analysis.

4. Two Professional References

Applicants must provide details for two professional references who can speak to their qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship must be submitted online.

Step 1: Review the Fellowship Requirements

Confirm that your professional background and proposed area of work align with the fellowship’s focus on technology, democracy and society.

Step 2: Identify Your Area of Focus

Develop a clear idea of the technology policy issue, geography or community you want to focus on.

Your proposal should demonstrate why the issue matters and why you are particularly suited to cover it.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

Prepare:

CV or resume
Cover letter of no more than two pages
Links to previous publications
Two professional references

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Complete the official application form and provide all requested information.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 24, 2026.

Late applications may not be considered.

Information Sessions

Tech Policy Press will hold two online information sessions for prospective applicants.

Session 1:
📅 September 9, 2026
🕐 8:00 a.m. EDT
💻 Online via Zoom

Session 2:
📅 September 16, 2026
🕐 7:00 p.m. EDT
💻 Online via Zoom

Registration is required for both sessions.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Fellowship applications open	August 24, 2026
Information Session 1	September 9, 2026
Information Session 2	September 16, 2026
Application deadline	September 24, 2026
Expected notification	Early December 2026
Fellowship begins	January 2027
Fellowship duration	12 months

Are International Applicants Eligible?

Yes. The 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship is open to candidates from around the world.

Applicants outside the United States are encouraged to apply, including professionals who are not authorized to work in the USA.

Because fellows work remotely as independent contractors, U.S. work authorization is not required for applicants based outside the country.

Can Technical Professionals Apply?

Yes. Tech Policy Press welcomes applicants from a variety of disciplines.

Candidates whose primary contributions are technical may apply as long as they can demonstrate how their proposed work aligns with the organization’s editorial focus.

The key consideration is the connection between the applicant’s expertise and important questions involving technology, democracy or society.

Can Applicants Work on Multiple Topics?

Yes. Fellows are encouraged to respond to important news and developments related to their area of expertise.

However, applicants should begin the fellowship with a clearly articulated area of focus and explain why they are well positioned to cover it.

Can Co-Authors Be Submitted?

Yes. Co-authored work can be included among an applicant’s publications.

However, applicants are encouraged to submit at least one solo publication demonstrating their individual writing and analytical abilities.

How Competitive Is the Fellowship?

The fellowship is highly competitive.

Tech Policy Press reports that the previous application cycle received more than 2,000 applications for only 8–10 fellowship positions.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their expertise, proposed area of focus, previous work and potential contribution to public-interest technology policy discussions.

Why Apply for the Tech Policy Press Fellowship?

The fellowship offers more than financial support. It provides a platform for professionals to develop authoritative work on important technology policy issues while becoming part of an international community of researchers, journalists and policy professionals.

For applicants interested in AI governance, digital rights, technology regulation, democracy, public policy and technology’s social impact, the program can provide valuable editorial support, professional exposure and opportunities to develop a strong body of published work.

The fellowship can be particularly valuable for professionals who have identified an underreported technology policy issue and want dedicated support to investigate and explain it to a wider public.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can strengthen their submissions by avoiding the following mistakes:

Submitting a vague project idea: Clearly define the issue you want to explore.

Failing to demonstrate expertise: Explain why your professional or research background makes you well suited to the proposed work.

Submitting weak writing samples: Choose published work that demonstrates strong research, reporting and analytical skills.

Ignoring the fellowship’s focus: Your proposed work should clearly connect to technology, democracy or society.

Submitting inaccessible publications: Ensure submitted links are publicly accessible and not behind a paywall.

Ignoring the English requirement: At least one submitted publication must be written in English.

Waiting until the deadline: Give yourself enough time to prepare a strong cover letter, collect references and review your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship?

Journalists, researchers, lawyers, public policy professionals and other qualified professionals interested in technology policy, media, governance, technology and democracy can apply.

Is the fellowship open to international applicants?

Yes. Candidates from around the world are eligible and international applicants are encouraged to apply.

How much is the fellowship stipend?

Each selected fellow receives a $10,000 stipend, distributed quarterly.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship lasts 12 months, beginning in January 2027.

Is the fellowship full-time?

No. It is a part-time, year-long fellowship conducted remotely.

Do fellows need to live in the United States?

No. The fellowship is open internationally and fellows work remotely as independent contractors.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 24, 2026.

When will selected applicants be notified?

Tech Policy Press aims to notify applicants about their status by early December 2026.

Can I submit unpublished research?

No. Submitted publications must be publicly accessible and attributed to the applicant. Unpublished papers, dissertations and class assignments are not considered published work.

Are translations accepted?

Yes, translated work can be submitted, but applicants must provide at least one publication written in English.

When does the fellowship begin?

The 2027 fellowship cohort begins in January 2027.

Conclusion

The 2027 Tech Policy Press Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for journalists, researchers, lawyers and public policy professionals to spend a year developing independent reporting and analysis on important questions at the intersection of technology and democracy.

With a $10,000 stipend, editorial guidance, international networking, monthly professional development sessions and opportunities to publish work through Tech Policy Press, the fellowship provides selected professionals with meaningful support to investigate underreported technology policy issues.

International applicants, Global Majority candidates and professionals from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: September 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Official Application

Applicants should complete the official online application form and review the full fellowship requirements before submitting their materials.