Planet Detroit is launching applications for the 2026 Neighborhood Reporting Lab, marking our third year of training and publishing community reporters across Metro Detroit.

The Neighborhood Reporting Lab is a paid, hands-on program for people who want to tell stories about their neighborhoods, with a focus on environmental health, climate and local solutions. Participants receive training, editorial support and the opportunity to publish their work with Planet Detroit.

Applicants can view stories from prior cohorts on the Neighborhood Reporting Lab landing page.

Application process

The Neighborhood Reporting Lab uses a two-round application process.

  • Round 1
    Opens Monday, January 26
    Deadline: Friday, February 6
  • Round 2 (invite only)
    Opens Monday, February 9
    Deadline: Friday, February 13

Selected applicants will be notified on Wednesday, February 18.

Required availability

Applicants must be available for the following sessions:

In-person sessions

  • Saturday, February 28: In-person kickoff
  • Saturday, May 30: Final in-person celebration

Zoom training sessions (6–8 pm)

  • Tuesday, March 3
  • Tuesday, March 10
  • Tuesday, March 24 (no session March 17)
  • Tuesday, March 31
  • Tuesday, April 7

What participants will do

Participants will learn the basics of:

  • Interviewing community members
  • Photography using a phone or camera
  • Writing Q&As and narrative profiles
  • Producing short, engaging social video

Participants will work with Planet Detroit editors to develop, report and publish stories centered on people and organizations in their own communities.

Compensation

Participants can earn up to $350 for published work:

  • $100 for a published Q&A (600–900 words plus photo)
  • $200 for a published profile (800–1,000 words plus photo)
  • $50 for a published social video reel

Who should apply

The lab is open to Detroit-area residents. No prior journalism experience is required. We welcome applicants who are community-connected, curious and interested in learning how local storytelling can inform and engage the public.

Applications open Monday, January 26.

Apply here

Link to form

The Planet Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab is made possible with the generous support of the Kresge Foundation.

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is an award-winning Metro Detroit-based editor, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. She is the founder, publisher, and editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup focused on producing quality climate, health, and environment journalism that holds power accountable, and spotlights solutions. Planet Detroit has received awards and recognition from the Society for Professional Journalists Detroit, the Institute for Nonprofit News, and LION Publishers since its establishment in 2019. Prior to her journalism career, Nina worked in urban planning in local government and nonprofit sectors, holding a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.