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Fulcrum Fellowship to Double Reach in 2026

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Fulcrum Fellowship to Double Reach in 2026

Fulcrum Fellowship: Nurturing the Next Generation of Journalists

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The Fulcrum
By The FulcrumNov 27, 2025
The Fulcrum
The Fulcrum staff.
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The Fulcrum and the Hortencia Zavala Foundation are joining forces in 2026 to expand opportunities for the next generation of journalists. Together, they are growing The Fulcrum Fellowship, hosting two cohorts of students—one in the summer and one in the fall.

The Fulcrum Fellowship, part of The Fulcrum’s NextGen initiative, is a 10-week immersive program that trains students from across the country in solutions journalism and complicating the narrative techniques. Fellows learn to produce stories that counter one‑dimensional narratives too common in mainstream media, while amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives.

Since its launch this year, the Fellowship has nurtured young journalists who are committed to equity, inclusion, and civic engagement. By expanding to two cohorts in 2026, The Fulcrum will double its reach, offering more students the chance to gain hands‑on experience in reporting that strengthens democracy and builds trust in civic dialogue.

Hugo Balta, Executive Editor of The Fulcrum, leads the initiative. "The Fellowship is more than a training program—it’s a commitment to building a new generation of journalists who listen deeply, report with integrity, and reflect the diversity of our nation. The partnership allows us to expand that mission and ensure more students have the tools to tell stories that matter.”

The HZF has been a steadfast supporter of students since its founding in 2017. The Foundation, created by Balta's family in honor of his maternal "abuelita", began by collaborating with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) to identify scholarship recipients, then expanded its impact by launching a journalism camp in 2021 and adding paid internships in 2024.

This partnership reflects both organizations' ongoing investment in student success, ensuring that aspiring journalists—especially those from underrepresented communities—have access to mentorship, training, and professional opportunities that prepare them to thrive in the media industry.

"Together, The Fulcrum and the Hortencia Zavala Foundation are building a pipeline of diverse, equity‑minded journalists who will shape the future of civic media," said David Nevins, Publisher of The Fulcrum. "Public support is vital for NextGen initiatives. By donating, you help sustain these programs, expand opportunities for students, and strengthen the civic infrastructure on which our democracy depends."

Contributions are tax‑deductible to the extent permitted by law and go directly toward advancing the mission of these initiatives.

Please consider donating today to invest in the next generation of journalists and civic leaders by clicking HERE.

The Fulcrum is committed to nurturing the next generation of journalists. To learn about the many NextGen initiatives we are leading, click HERE.


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The Future of DEI in Higher Education: Unpacking Recent Federal Restrictions
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Photo by Shelby Murphy Figueroa on Unsplash

The Future of DEI in Higher Education: Unpacking Recent Federal Restrictions

This nonpartisan policy brief, written by an ACE fellow, is republished by The Fulcrum as part of our partnership with the Alliance for Civic Engagement and our NextGen initiative — elevating student voices, strengthening civic education, and helping readers better understand democracy and public policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs serve diverse student populations at colleges and universities across the nation. DEI programs in higher education have traditionally supported first-generation college students, students with disabilities, veterans, low-income students, and racial and ethnic minorities through offices, scholarships, cultural centers, and accessibility services.
  • Federal initiatives, such as TRIO or the Full-Service Community Schools program, are facing cuts to funding due to DEI-related federal policy, affecting students across the nation.

Defining DEI

From debates surrounding race-conscious admission policies to questions about the role and funding of identity-based student centers, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a widely debated topic in higher education policy. DEI refers to institutional policies and programs–such as mentorship opportunities, cultural centers, and support programs–which improve campus climate and student access for underrepresented groups. Though many colleges and universities across the United States have developed DEI initiatives aimed at shaping student access and institutional priorities, recent legal and policy developments have raised questions about how these efforts align with federal law.

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A Wisconsin school board votes to keep dual language program after pushback from families, students

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The district had considered shortening the Spanish-English dual-language program so it would end after sixth grade, citing staff shortages and financial constraints. But after packed meetings, petitions and public comment, the Delavan-Darien Board of Education voted to maintain the program in its current 4K-12 grade structure for the 2026-2027 school year.

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Academic Tracking in K-12 Schools: Improving Achievement or Widening Gaps?
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Academic Tracking in K-12 Schools: Improving Achievement or Widening Gaps?

This nonpartisan policy brief, written by an ACE fellow, is republished by The Fulcrum as part of our partnership with the Alliance for Civic Engagement and our NextGen initiative — elevating student voices, strengthening civic education, and helping readers better understand democracy and public policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Tracking is widespread and begins early. Currently, 75 percent of eighth graders nationwide are affected by tracking and the process begins in first and second grade.
  • Successful detracking requires adequate support. Districts that detrack with enough support and resources for both teachers and students can narrow achievement gaps without lowering performance.Successful examples often come from communities with extensive resources.
  • Research on the impact of tracking on achievement is mixed. Some studies show tracking benefits advanced students at no cost to others, but other studies have shown the opposite; minimum educational gains with significant costs in equity.

What is Academic Tracking?

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