Tech Policy Press is Launching a Fellowship Program

Apply by September 12, 2023.

Tech Policy Press is a nonprofit media venture intended to provoke new ideas, debate, and discussion at the intersection of technology and democracy. At a time of great challenge to democracies globally, Tech Policy Press seeks to advance a pro-democracy movement in tech and tech policy.

To support new and diverse perspectives in tech policy and expand our coverage, Tech Policy Press is launching a fellowship program. Starting in Fall 2023, Tech Policy Press will support a small number of part-time fellows to research and write on critical topics that seek to educate the public and decision-makers about technology and its impact on democracy and society. The fellowships are part of a commitment to promote new voices and build a more global discussion of tech policy.

Reporting and Information Fellows

These 12-month fellowships will consist of two tracks, reporting fellows and information fellows. All fellows will work remotely.

Reporting fellows: Fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend to produce original articles based on the interests of the fellow, relevant news and policy developments, and Tech Policy Press content priorities. The fellowship offers an opportunity for individuals to explore policy ideas and approaches, document technological issues or harms, or pursue data-driven investigations.

Information fellows: Fellows will receive a $25,000 stipend to expand and deepen Tech Policy Press policy research efforts, including documenting regulations, legislation, and other government actions that seek to govern technology across the world. Fellows will work with Tech Policy Press core staff and contribute their expertise in a specific issue, policy area, or geography to develop in-depth policy analysis, compare policy across geographies, and curate resources to help educate and inform policymakers.

How to Apply

We are seeking individuals who are committed to journalism and the public interest. Applicants should have a strong background or expertise in a specific tech policy area or issue, particular geography, or, more generally, technology and its impact on democracy or society. We are looking for applicants from all career stages and are especially interested in those who are working to cover tech issues and policies that impact underrepresented communities. Fellows will be independent contractors to Tech Policy Press, a 501(c)3 organization.

Other experience, skills, and qualifications:

• At least an undergraduate degree or commensurate professional experience.
• Relevant writing or content production experience.
• Proficient in Google Docs, social media, and other relevant digital tools for content production and workflow management.
• An understanding of various writing styles and how to structure information and ideas.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Outstanding English grammar and attention to detail.
• A portfolio of prior publications or relevant work.
• Knowledge of current events and awareness of tech and tech policy issues.

To apply, visit the application here by September 12, 2023:

https://bit.ly/techpolicypressfellowship

We will host two information sessions for potential applicants via ZOOM. Registration is required. Choose from one of two dates:

• August 15th, 9 am EDT - Register here
• September 5, 4 pm EDT - Register here

If you have questions about this opportunity, contact Prithvi Iyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you apply for both fellowship tracks or do you have to choose one?
  • Yes, you can apply for both, but you’ll need to submit two separate applications for consideration.
• How rigorous is the selection process, and how many fellows are typically accepted into each track?
  • For this first cohort, we anticipate accepting between 2-6 reporting fellows, and 1-3 information fellows.
• Can you provide a timeline for the application review process and when selected fellows will be notified of their acceptance?
  • We endeavor to notify applicants of their status by October 15th, 2023.
• Are you accepting international applicants?
  • Yes, and we encourage them!
• Are the compensations different between tracks because of a time commitment and/or experience level difference?
  • Yes, we anticipate the information fellows will have a more regular, weekly commitment to complete certain tasks; engagement with reporting fellows is expected to be more fit to their specific approach and methodology to the reporting process and subject matter.
• Are fellows allowed to publish articles that oppose views shared by other contributors on the website?
  • Yes, as long as the argument is backed by evidence and sound logic, Tech Policy Press strives to showcase views without stifling academic expression.
• Can I share additional information that is not part of the application questions?
  • Yes, there is an “upload” feature that allows you to share any other relevant information that can help us review your application. We ask that you ensure the additional information is relevant to your application.
• Should I focus on only one topic area or provide a list of topics as part of my application?
  • It depends on your goals for the fellowship but you can list more than one topic idea via short bullet points (be mindful of the character count).
• Will there be an interview round for the fellowship?
  • A select pool of candidates may be invited for virtual interviews.

Expectations from the Fellowship

• What are the differences between the two fellowships?
  • There are differences in terms of what we are looking for in each; in general, successful applicants to the reporting category will have more background in journalism and reporting; information fellows will have more of a background in policy, analysis, and research, including potentially data analysis.
  • In addition, there are differences in the focus and work for each fellowship.
  • Reporting fellows will work more like freelance reporters, collaborating with the editorial team to develop and publish a small number of substantive articles for the Tech Policy Press website. The fellowship work schedule is flexible and determined by the fellow. We expect reporting fellows to begin writing and producing articles from the get go, leading to a significant body of work by the end of the 12 months.
  • Information fellows will work directly with Tech Policy Press staff to serve as subject matter or geographic experts. They will help to develop resources for the Tech Policy Press website including helping to track and document relevant legislative and regulatory discussions, contribute to the editorial process in their area of expertise, as well as develop and publish articles for the website. Information fellows will be expected to work between 5 and 10 hours per week.
• Can fellows use their data/analysis for other publications outside Tech Policy Press?
  • Fellows own the intellectual property of their written products. Fellows are allowed to use their data for other projects. Fellows can also publish their work in other forums after it is published at Tech Policy Press.
• What opportunities for networking and collaboration will be available to fellows, especially considering that the program is remote?
  • We are developing the program for the year. Expect regular interaction in both tracks, including short weekly check-ins and a monthly all hands meeting.
• How flexible is the choice of article topics? Can I propose a topic that's not directly listed in the program description?
  • Yes. We have a general set of editorial interests (located on the site) but are open to other ideas outside of the existing framework.
• What level of interaction and collaboration can Information Fellows expect to have with Tech Policy Press' core staff during the research process?
  • Information fellows will work closely with Tech Policy Press staff on setting priorities and determining tasks and projects.
• How does Tech Policy Press plan to promote and showcase the work of fellows to a wider audience?
  • We will publish the articles on Tech Policy Press, in its newsletter, and draw attention to the work of fellows potentially on the podcast and at special events.
  • We also plan to host a virtual showcase wherein fellows can share their experiences and learnings with each other at the end. We hope these opportunities will enable fellows to learn from each other and build their professional networks.
• How will the stipends be distributed?
  • Quarterly.
• What kind of data investigations has Tech Policy Press done in the past or are looking for going forward?
  • Click here to see an example of a policy tracking project. Information fellows can expect to conduct similar policy investigations. This is just one example and TPP will be open to different methods/approaches based on the expertise of the fellow.