The Pulitzer Center is seeking pitches from journalists, journalism trainers, and journalism educators interested in—or are already engaged in—training professional journalists in their communities to report on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives.
The AI Spotlight Coaching Grants provide an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in training reporters on how to effectively cover AI systems and their impact on society, follow AI supply chains, and document harms. These grants include seed funding to support one to two AI reporting training sessions in the trainer’s community using the AI Spotlight Series curriculum.
Since the launch of the AI Spotlight Series in 2024, the Pulitzer Center has conducted over 20 online and in-person sessions, training more than 2,000 journalists worldwide. The growing demand for such training has prompted us to open source the AI Spotlight Series curriculum in multiple languages and expand our network of trainers.
The AI Spotlight Coaching Grants aim to support up to 8 training fellows worldwide, with an emphasis on the Global South and underserved communities. Through these grants, the initiative aims to foster local expertise in reporting one of the global, fastest moving and consequential stories of our time.
The selected coaches will receive training and training materials from the AI Spotlight Series team so they are fully equipped to conduct training in their communities. The coaches will have the opportunity to enhance the curriculum with local case studies relevant to their regions. They will also be able to provide feedback on the curriculum.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to apply to the AI Spotlight Coaching Grants?
Journalists, journalism trainers, and journalism school educators interested in – or are already – training professional journalists to report on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to journalists who have taken one of the free AI Spotlight Series workshops and have a demonstrated interest/track record in AI accountability reporting.
How detailed should my training proposal be?
The proposal must include your idea for the training, including details of your target participants, training agenda, and partner organization, if any.
In addition, the proposal should demonstrate why it’s necessary and timely to conduct the training in your community. For example, you may share some potential AI accountability stories that do not get coverage in your country.
How much financial support will grantees receive?
The Pulitzer Center will support up to 8 training fellows with $500 each to conduct 1-2 training sessions in their community. The fee is intended to cover fees for the venue, food, transportation, and other training-related costs.
What are the benefits of becoming an AI Spotlight coaching fellow?
Apart from the financial support, the Pulitzer Center offers the opportunity to get hands-on training with one of our AI Spotlight coaches who are at the forefront of reporting on AI systems. The grant kicks off with a meeting with one of our AI Spotlight coaches to learn how to teach AI accountability reporting, why it matters, and suggestions on how to conduct the training in particular contexts.
One of the coaches will also give the trainer a walkthrough of the AI Spotlight Session deck and explore case studies of worldwide reporting on AI. We'll also be joined by Pulitzer Center staff members who will provide insight into their training pitch.
When does the grant start and when should the training be conducted?
The training of trainers should start around September 2025 and the proposed training typically be done in one to two months, or on or before November 2025.
After the completion of the training, the training fellow will need to submit documentation and a brief summary of key takeaways and outcomes from the training. They will also provide feedback to the AI Spotlight curriculum.
How should I send my application?
Please send your application through this link. The Pulitzer Center will get back to you within two to three weeks after receiving your application.
When is the deadline to apply for the AI Spotlight Coaching Grants?
Applications for the AI Spotlight Coaching Grants are now open. The deadline is Aug. 22, 2025. The Pulitzer Center aims to notify the selection of candidates at the end of August 2025.
I have additional questions.
Please contact the AI Spotlight team at [email protected]. Thank you.