Deadline: October 12, 2025
Applications are open for the Documented Media Training Program 2026. The 2026 Building Bridges: An Immigrant Media Training Program will offer a practical, intensive, and highly supportive training program for six newsrooms interested in launching an editorial product based on inclusive, ethical, and high-quality journalism produced for and with immigrant communities in their region. The training is grounded in principles of building trust and fostering longstanding relationships with immigrants. Two additional cohorts will be selected in 2027 and 2028.
Newsrooms will follow a 15-module course to create an editorial product from scratch or to overhaul an existing one designed for, but also with, immigrant communities. Several modules will also focus on building stakeholder buy-in and funding interest to support sustainability. The program will offer weekly virtual sessions and office hours with Documented’s staff and subject matter experts in the field to support them in the process.
Benefits
- Each selected newsroom will receive $10,000 in stipends to launch the product and will participate in a final investment round to receive extra funds for its development.
- At the end of the program, participants will be invited to join a community of practice to receive ongoing support and peer advice on developing their product and contribute to a growing field of community-driven journalism.
Eligibility
- This training is intended for reporters, producers, editors, and managers working in any newsroom in the United States and its territories who are willing and committed to better serve immigrant communities.
- One full-time employee must be available (and excited!) to participate in the virtual weekly sessions, and one part-time or full-time employee must be dedicated to supporting the project development, fundraising, and sustainability.
Application
The training program will commence in mid-January 2026 and will conclude in early May 2026. Exact days will be shared with participants upon acceptance.
Participant newsrooms will need to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per week to reviewing the modules’ content, attending virtual sessions, and completing mandatory assignments, which will support them in researching, designing, prototyping, testing, and launching the new product, among other learning activities.
For more information, visit Documented Media Training Program.
