A Letter from the President

When we launched the Center for Emerging Journalism, we started with a clear goal: to provide a credible publishing platform for student and early-career journalists. We believed then, as we do now, that young writers deserve the opportunity to do serious, meaningful work, and that institutions should exist to support them, not gatekeep them.

Effective this quarter, the Center for Emerging Journalism (CEJ) has been formally incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit corporation in the State of California. This action was approved by board resolution and executed in accordance with relevant state nonprofit corporation law.

The decision to incorporate reflects a strategic shift in CEJ’s operational scope. CEJ will continue to serve as a publishing platform for student and early-career journalists. In addition, the organization is expanding its activities to include education-based programming, with a focus on training, mentorship, and direct service delivery to high school students.

CEJ's expanded programming will include:

• Mentorship programs administered by undergraduate and graduate-level journalists affiliated with CEJ
• Journalism training camps and instructional workshops for high school students
• Virtual and in-person seminars and Q&A sessions with working journalists and media professionals
• Partnerships with academic institutions, newsrooms, and community-based organizations

This expansion requires sustainable funding, contractual partnerships, and formal infrastructure. Incorporation as a nonprofit enables CEJ to pursue grants, accept donations, and enter into sponsorship agreements. It also allows the organization to operate under a formal governance structure, ensuring compliance with applicable fiduciary, reporting, and charitable solicitation requirements.

We have formed a founding Board of Directors to oversee CEJ’s governance, including Helene Stapinski, Tiffany Noel, and Nanette Tarbouni. I will serve concurrently as President and CEO, and as Chairman of the Board.

CEJ intends to seek federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. Until that determination is received, contributions to CEJ are not tax-deductible under federal law. A determination letter will be published and distributed once received.

We look forward to sharing further updates in the coming months regarding programming, partnerships, and development plans.

—
William Liang
President & CEO
Center for Emerging Journalism