As the waves of change sweep across the media landscape, aspiring journalists and writers have both tremendous challenges and opportunities. Internships provide rewarding experiences beyond the classroom for high school students passionate about storytelling, reporting, and the written word.
Why are journalism internships so invaluable?
These internships allow students to work with seasoned professionals, learn relevant skills, and gain first-hand experience in the journalistic world. Practical experience is the No. 1 ingredient in the recipe for a successful journalist, and there’s no better way to get it than through an internship. Internships immerse students in areas like writing, editing, multimedia production, and reporting. They offer a platform to develop essential story-creation skills and an understanding of the ethical duties of journalism.
But there’s more.
One of the greatest opportunities provided by internships is mentorship. High school students get guidance from veterans in their chosen field, receive constructive feedback, and build a professional network—crucial tools as they move on to further education and careers.
Ready to discover the best opportunities?
Here are 50 exceptional journalism internships exclusively for high schoolers. Each offers hands-on experiences, mentorship, and creative exploration to equip young journalists with a flair for truth and storytelling. Whether you’re interested in investigative journalism, creative writing, or multimedia production, these internships can lay the foundation for a successful and enriching career in journalism.
Let’s dive into the opportunities waiting for budding journalists!
Top Journalism Internships for High School
1. The New York Times NYC Summer Academy
The NYC Summer Academy is a pre-college program developed by The New York Times. In this program, high school students can engage intensively in journalism, media, and technology. Throughout two intensive weeks, students explore the vibrant life of New York City both through workshops and seminars by the top journalists at the Times and other top outlets. This program includes activities on reporting and writing, video production, and data visualization. Students also get the opportunity to visit leading newsrooms, attend cultural events, and network with top people in the industry. This hands-on experience enables them not only to develop their journalistic skills but also provides a taste of what life is like as a professional journalist.
- Duration: 12 days
- Requirements: 15-18-year-old high school students
- Application Deadline: February 26th
2. Northwestern Medill Cherubs Program
The Medill Cherubs Program is an extraordinarily competitive, four-week summer journalism internship program. As the name indicates, it is based at Northwestern University in the storied Medill School of Journalism. Participants are deeply involved in techniques in journalism, reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia production. Led by talented faculty and industry professionals, students at the camp write stories for the Cherubs News website, participate in workshops in specialized topics, and attend lectures and field trips that give students a closer look at the media world. This program functions to create a collaborative learning environment through which students can develop their journalistic voice and build a substantial portfolio of work.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Requirements: good academic standing, school transcript and letter of recommendation, standardized test scores, ability and interest in journalism
- Application Deadline: March 6th
3. The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop is a respected two-week summer program at Kenyon College designed for students in high school who are passionate about creative writing. Those students who have an interest in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are ushered into a nurturing atmosphere of discovery and nurturing of skills. Led by professional writers and faculty, the program presents intensive writing workshops, craft discussions, literary readings, and one-to-one manuscript feedback sessions. This will get them experimenting with styles and voices of writing, stimulating creativity and critical thinking in a big way. The workshop will culminate with a final reading in which students will share their work—thus celebrating the growth and success of the participants.
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
4. The Washington Journalism and Media Conference
The Washington Journalism and Media Conference is a week-long program hosted at George Mason University, which provides an immersion in the world of journalism and media for rising high school students from every corner of the country. The workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities put participants with industry professionals and academic experts. Students visit famous newsrooms, attend press briefings, and discuss current events, which help them get an all-round understanding of the media industry. It’s an initiative that helps inspire and empower young journalists to come up with the proper knowledge and skills to excel in the profession.
- Duration: 1 week
- Requirements: 10th and 11th-grade students who are nominated by educators or invited by the program
- Application Deadline: Varies by time slot
5. LA Times High School Insider
The LA Times High School Insider program allows high schoolers the opportunity to write for a major publication. Participants work on writing assignments with the opportunity to get feedback from seasoned editors and eventually publish their work on the High School Insider website. This program puts students through the development of reporting and writing skills in a real-world scenario. They gain experience in journalism, compile a portfolio of published pieces, and develop a network of peers who are equally passionate about their storytelling.
- Duration: N/A
- Requirements: High School students
- Application Deadline: February 19th
6. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the most prestigious competition among students in grades 7-12, with recognition ranging within 28 categories, from short stories to personal essays, poetry, screenplays, and more. Those participating and becoming winners receive awards and scholarships, along with the chance for publication. National Medalists have a scholarship potential of up to $12,500. It provides a voice for young writers, a chance to be heard, recognized for their work, and connected to a community of peers and mentors. Providing further networking opportunities, the addition of an awards ceremony with related events supports students in their artistic and academic pursuits alike.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: Varies
- Application Deadline: Varies
7. Boston University Creative Writing Program
The Boston University Creative Writing Program offers an intensive three-week program to rising juniors and seniors who are deeply in love with writing and literature. In its college-level curriculum—writing workshops, craft discussions, and literary readings—the students work closely with experienced instructors to develop their writing in a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, all located on the BU campus. This program also enables participants to gain college credit, which is a superb way for any student who may want to get an early start on their higher education. The classroom instruction and hands-on writing exercises leave the participants with a lot of knowledge about the writing process, equipping the students with invaluable insights into the writing process, and leaving them with polished portfolios.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Requirements: Rising juniors and seniors, personal statement, supplemental materials
- Application Deadline: Rolling
8. YoungArts
One of the most renowned national organizations, YoungArts, every year opens its doors for applications from high school students ages 15-18 in various artistic disciplines. YoungArts competition winners are advanced to spend a week-long program and workshops in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami with accomplished artists and writers. This is a deeply intensive and immersive experience filled with master classes, performances, and exhibitions. Further, finalists are qualified for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts nomination and financial awards of up to $10,000. YoungArts not only identifies and honors young talent but continues to support and create opportunities for artistic development and professional growth.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: High school students ages 15-18
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
9. Columbia University Summer Journalism Workshop
Sponsored by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia University Summer Journalism Workshop provides in-depth education in journalism to high school students. Activities include reporting, writing, editing, and publishing—guided by veteran journalists and educators. The program offers both in-person and virtual formats, thus accommodating students from various parts of the globe who would like to participate. Apart from these practical sessions and interactive sessions, the students can also practice journalistic techniques and attend workshops so that they get a strong base on media ethics and standards. There are networking possibilities as these workshops provide opportunities to create links within the journalism community.
- Duration: Varies by program
- Requirements: Varies by program
- Application Deadline: Varies by program
10. The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival
The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival is an annual competition. To compete, high school students can submit their original plays to be produced and performed by professional actors. It provides a supportive forum whereby young writers receive constructive reviews from working playwrights and directors to further develop their scripts and help them polish their storytelling skills. These winning plays are then developed and produced in a staged reading series, which allows the students to see their work realized and produced on stage.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students interested in playwriting
- Application Deadline: March 15th
11. Georgetown Creative Writing Academy
The Georgetown University Creative Writing Academy is an intensive program that works to help students in high school transform ideas into compelling written works. Students will be offered lectures by famous literary figures, dynamic courses on a wide range of genres, and productive feedback sessions with peers and instructors throughout its duration. It shows various genres of writing, from fiction to poetry and creative nonfiction, all oriented towards the craft of writing and revision techniques. It’s also intended to professionalize young writers with tips about the publishing world and a writing career. Students leave the academy with a portfolio of finished works and an insight into their writing capabilities.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students with a good academic standing and supplemental materials
- Application Deadline: April 15th
12. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a residential three-week program that invites high school juniors and seniors to engage in intensive humanities seminars. The program features writing workshops, through which students work toward analytical and creative writing skills. Students engage in advanced academic discussions, conduct independent research, and collaborate on projects regarding important issues in history, philosophy, and literature. This experience is used to help students develop critical reasoning and communication skills needed for their future successful academic performances within the humanities framework.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Requirements: Sophomores and juniors
- Application Deadline: February 3rd
13. UGA Summer Media Academy
The University of Georgia offers courses in journalism, advertising and public relations, and entertainment and media studies. During a week of camp, participants engage in various activities about the media, from making photo essays to podcasts. Students can either join an overnight camp on UGA’s campus or participate in a day commuter program. There is limited need-based financial aid; interested students should complete an additional application on the website.
- Duration: 1 week in June
- Requirements: High school students, age 13-17
- Application Deadline: Rolling
14. NSLC on Journalism
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Journalism, held in collaboration with American University’s School of Communication, offers rising freshmen to seniors an immersive experience in the world of communication and journalism. This program covers a broad array of topics, including documentary filmmaking, news writing, sportswriting, podcasting, and more. Through hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions, students gain practical skills and insights into the field of journalism.
Beyond the classroom, participants explore Washington, D.C., visiting iconic sites such as the Smithsonian Museums, the White House, and the National Zoo. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn college credit by enrolling in a supplemental online course offered by American University. Scholarships are available, ensuring that this exceptional educational experience is accessible to a diverse group of students.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies
15. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a fully funded, 10-day residential program for high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism, writing, public policy, or law. Hosted on Princeton’s campus, the program covers all transportation, lodging, and meal expenses. Students participate in intensive reporting workshops, editorial feedback sessions, and revision practice, working with professional journalists and Princeton faculty. PSJP has launched the careers of many professional journalists and is widely regarded as one of the top journalism pipeline programs in the country.
- Duration: 10 days (summer)
- Requirements: High school juniors from low-income backgrounds; strong interest in journalism, writing, or media
- Application Deadline: Typically March 2026; check PSJP website for current cycle
16. City Limits CLARIFY Internship
The CLARIFY (City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth) program is a paid journalism internship for New York City high school students. Run by City Limits, NYC’s oldest nonprofit investigative newsroom, the program trains students in research, interviewing, media ethics, investigative techniques, and photojournalism. Interns work with City Limits reporters on locally focused stories about housing, education, immigration, and public policy, with the goal of publication on citylimits.org. The program offers both English-language and bilingual Spanish/English cohorts.
- Duration: 6 weeks (summer) or twice-weekly after school (fall/spring)
- Requirements: NYC high school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; no prior journalism experience required
- Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; check City Limits website
17. ASU Cronkite Camp (Camp Cronkite)
Named after legendary broadcaster Walter Cronkite, Arizona State University’s Camp Cronkite is a residential summer media camp for high school students from across the country. Students work with Cronkite School faculty and professionals to learn about journalism, mass communication, broadcasting, and digital storytelling. The program takes place on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus and includes hands-on workshops in reporting, video production, podcast creation, and social media strategy.
- Duration: 1 week (two sessions offered: June and July 2026)
- Requirements: High school students interested in media and journalism
- Application Deadline: Varies; check Cronkite School website
18. AAJA JCamp
The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) JCamp is a free, six-day summer journalism program for high school sophomores and juniors interested in careers in broadcast, newspaper, magazine, photo, and online journalism. The multicultural program is not limited to Asian American students and is open to all backgrounds. Participants receive mentorship, hands-on training, and the opportunity to produce multiplatform news packages for JCamp Live. All transportation, lodging, and meals are covered.
- Duration: 6 days (summer; host city changes annually)
- Requirements: High school sophomores and juniors; all backgrounds welcome
- Application Deadline: Typically February–March 2026; check AAJA website
19. BU Summer Journalism Academy
Boston University’s Summer Journalism Academy offers both a three-week on-campus residential program and a two-week learn-from-home program. Students work with professional journalists on real-world reporting assignments, covering campus and city events. The program includes daily newsroom sessions, pitch meetings, coaching labs, and guest speakers from organizations like WBUR and the Boston Globe. On-campus participants visit Boston newsrooms and produce published work for The Terrier news site.
- Duration: 3 weeks (on-campus) or 2 weeks (remote)
- Requirements: Rising juniors, seniors, and current seniors for on-campus; ages 14-18 for remote; journalism experience preferred for on-campus
- Application Deadline: Rolling
20. Hearst High School Media Internship at The Paley Center for Media
The Hearst High School Media Internship is a five-week, paid summer internship for rising 11th and 12th grade students attending New York City public high schools. Based at The Paley Center for Media, interns meet high-profile industry professionals, visit newsrooms and podcast studios, produce original podcasts, strengthen writing and research skills, and create content for the Paley Education newsletter. The program provides a stipend and offers an inside look at careers in media, broadcast journalism, and digital storytelling.
- Duration: 5 weeks (summer)
- Requirements: Rising 11th and 12th graders attending NYC public high schools
- Application Deadline: Typically spring 2026; check Paley Center website
21. Howard University Multimedia Urban Reporting Lab
Howard University’s journalism department offers a summer workshop that teaches high school students how to use multimedia journalism to cover health and wellness in underserved communities. Students learn to write news stories, capture audio, shoot and edit video, take photos, and incorporate social media into their reporting. The two-week program is based on Howard’s campus in Washington, D.C., and is led by Howard journalism faculty and working professionals.
- Duration: 2 weeks (summer)
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies; check Howard University journalism department
22. California Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Workshop
The California Scholastic Press Association’s summer workshop is the longest continually operating program of its kind in the country, founded in 1951. The 12-day residential program on California’s Central Coast (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) gives students the chance to build relationships with professional journalists and develop skills in reporting, writing, photography, broadcasting, and digital journalism. Three recent graduates have been named National High School Journalist of the Year.
- Duration: 12 days (July 2026)
- Requirements: High school students interested in journalism and student media
- Application Deadline: Typically spring 2026; check CSPA website
23. University of Alabama Multicultural Journalism Workshop (MJW)
Since 1984, the University of Alabama’s Multicultural Journalism Workshop has provided experiential learning for high school students from across the country who are interested in journalism. The 10-day residential program includes field trips to historical sites, lectures from working journalists, and production of multimedia content on real deadlines. Students develop skills in reporting, writing, editing, design, and photography while staying in UA dorms.
- Duration: 10 days (late May/early June 2026)
- Requirements: High school students from across the country
- Application Deadline: Varies; check UA journalism department
24. Detroit Writing Room Summer Journalism Camp
The Detroit Writing Room’s Summer Journalism Camp is a two-week day camp held at Wayne State University’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity. Students learn from over 30 coaches and award-winning journalists who have worked at publications from The New York Times to the Detroit Free Press. The camp teaches fundamental writing and reporting skills while focusing on issues impacting local neighborhoods, giving students both skills and mentors for future opportunities.
- Duration: 2 weeks (July 2026)
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies; check Detroit Writing Room website
25. Quinnipiac University Sports Media Summer Program
For aspiring sports broadcasters, writers, and media professionals, Quinnipiac University offers a summer program focused on sports journalism and media production. Participants learn from professionals in journalism, public relations, advertising, and social media, and get hands-on experience writing, recording, producing, and editing stories in Quinnipiac’s state-of-the-art facilities.
- Duration: 1 week (two sessions: July 13-17 and July 27-31, 2026)
- Requirements: High school students with a passion for sports and media
- Application Deadline: Varies; check Quinnipiac precollege programs
26. Pasquines Writing Internship
The Pasquines Writing Internship is a virtual, unpaid writing internship for high school students interested in politics, public affairs, and opinion writing. Students write articles about U.S., Caribbean, and Latin American politics and policy, working with editors who provide feedback and guidance. Published pieces appear on the Pasquines website, giving students a portfolio of real bylined clips. The program is open to students without prior journalism experience.
- Duration: Ongoing (spring and summer cohorts)
- Requirements: High school students with interest in politics and writing; no experience required
- Application Deadline: October 10, 2025 for spring/summer 2026 cohort; check website for future cycles
27. HarperCollins Publishing Internship
HarperCollins, one of the world’s largest publishing companies, offers internship programs that introduce students to professional writing, publishing, editorial work, and communications. The structured summer internship provides classroom-driven learning, while the paid 10-week spring internship offers project-based, hands-on exposure to a specific area of publishing (21 hours/week). While primarily aimed at college students, exceptional high school seniors may qualify for select programs.
- Duration: Summer program varies; spring internship is 10 weeks
- Requirements: Primarily college students; exceptional high school seniors for select programs
- Application Deadline: Varies by program; check HarperCollins careers page
28. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, run by the Iowa Youth Writing Project at the University of Iowa, offers two-week residential and online summer programs for high school students passionate about creative writing. Iowa’s legendary writing tradition (home of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the most prestigious creative writing MFA in the world) provides an unmatched environment for developing young writers. Students work in small workshop groups, attend readings, and receive feedback from published writers and Iowa faculty.
- Duration: 2 weeks (summer; multiple sessions)
- Requirements: High school students (rising sophomores through rising seniors)
- Application Deadline: Varies by session; typically January–March 2026
29. Emerson College Pre-College Journalism Program
Emerson College in Boston, consistently ranked among the top communication and media arts schools in the country, offers a pre-college journalism program for high school students. The program immerses students in reporting, writing, editing, multimedia production, and media ethics. Emerson’s location in downtown Boston and its professional-grade studios and newsrooms provide an authentic newsroom experience.
- Duration: 2-5 weeks (summer)
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Rolling; check Emerson pre-college programs page
30. Miseducation Podcast Internship (NYC Youth Journalism Coalition)
The Miseducation Podcast internship is a paid after-school program for NYC public high school students who want to dive into audio journalism. Interns receive hands-on training in podcast production and create their own episodes about the NYC school system. No experience is necessary, and students who haven’t previously had access to journalism opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Episodes are published on the Miseducation Podcast.
- Duration: School year (after school, multiple sessions)
- Requirements: NYC public high school students; no experience necessary
- Application Deadline: Varies; check NYC Youth Journalism Coalition website
31. Summer Youth Podcast Academy (SYPA)
Also run by the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition, the Summer Youth Podcast Academy is a paid three-week intensive where students receive immersive audio storytelling training from industry professionals. Each student reports, writes, records, and mixes their own podcast episode, which is published on the SYPA Podcast. The program takes place every August and is open to NYC public high school students and recent graduates.
- Duration: 3 weeks (August 2026)
- Requirements: NYC public high school students and recent graduates
- Application Deadline: Typically summer 2026; check NYC Youth Journalism Coalition
32. University of Missouri High School Journalism Workshop
The Missouri School of Journalism — the oldest and one of the most respected journalism schools in the world — offers summer workshops for high school students. Students learn reporting, writing, editing, design, and multimedia production from Mizzou faculty and working professionals. The program takes place on the Columbia campus and leverages Mizzou’s unique “Missouri Method” of learning by doing, where students produce real journalism for community outlets from day one.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students interested in journalism
- Application Deadline: Varies; check Missouri School of Journalism website
33. Indiana University High School Journalism Institute (HSJI)
The Indiana University High School Journalism Institute is a weeklong residential program at IU Bloomington’s Media School, one of the largest and most comprehensive media programs in the country. Students choose a specialization — such as news reporting, sports journalism, broadcast, photojournalism, or yearbook/magazine — and work intensively in that track. The program includes hands-on workshops, guest speakers from working media professionals, and the production of a final project.
- Duration: 1 week (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies; check IU Media School website
34. Syracuse University Summer College — Journalism Track
Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, one of the top journalism schools in the nation, offers a two-week summer college program for high school students. Students immerse themselves in broadcast journalism, magazine journalism, newspaper/online journalism, public relations, or advertising. They work in Newhouse’s professional-grade studios and newsrooms, learn from Newhouse faculty, and produce real multimedia content.
- Duration: 2 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: Rising juniors and seniors
- Application Deadline: Rolling; check Syracuse Summer College website
35. USC Annenberg Summer Journalism Program
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, one of the leading journalism schools on the West Coast, offers summer programs for high school students interested in journalism and media. Students learn reporting, writing, multimedia production, and media ethics from Annenberg faculty and working professionals. USC’s Los Angeles location provides access to one of the largest media markets in the world.
- Duration: 2-4 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies; check USC Annenberg pre-college programs
36. Scholastic Press Association National High School Journalism Convention
The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) hosts national journalism conventions twice a year that bring together thousands of high school journalists, advisers, and media professionals. Students attend workshops, critique sessions, and keynote addresses on reporting, writing, design, photography, broadcasting, and digital media. While not a traditional internship, attending an NSPA convention provides intensive skill-building, networking, and recognition opportunities (including individual and publication awards).
- Duration: 3-4 days (fall and spring conventions)
- Requirements: High school students involved in student media
- Application Deadline: Registration-based; check NSPA website for convention dates
37. The Poynter Institute High School Journalism Programs
The Poynter Institute, one of the most respected journalism training organizations in the world, offers programs and resources for high school journalists and their advisers. Poynter’s training covers media literacy, fact-checking, ethics, reporting techniques, and digital storytelling. The institute periodically offers summer workshops specifically for high school students, as well as free online courses and webinars accessible year-round.
- Duration: Varies (workshops, online courses, and webinars)
- Requirements: High school students and advisers
- Application Deadline: Varies; check Poynter.org for current programs
38. The New Yorker Festival Student Programs
The New Yorker Festival, held annually in New York City, features panels, readings, and conversations with some of the world’s most celebrated writers, journalists, and thinkers. While not an internship, the festival offers student-priced tickets and youth-focused programming that provides exposure to elite-level journalism, longform writing, and media criticism. For students serious about a career in writing or journalism, attending the festival is an unmatched networking and learning experience.
- Duration: 1 weekend (October 2026)
- Requirements: Open to all; student tickets available
- Application Deadline: Ticket sales; check New Yorker Festival website
39. NPR Student Podcast Challenge
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge is an annual competition for students in grades 5-12 to create original podcast episodes on any topic. Students research, report, write, and produce short audio stories, learning the fundamentals of audio journalism in the process. Winning entries are featured on NPR’s platforms, providing national exposure. The challenge encourages students to develop their storytelling voice and technical audio skills.
- Duration: Submission period typically January–April 2026
- Requirements: Students in grades 5-12 (individuals or groups)
- Application Deadline: Typically April 2026; check NPR website
40. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mark of Excellence Awards
SPJ’s Mark of Excellence Awards recognize the best in student journalism across categories including breaking news, feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, broadcast, and online journalism. While the competition is primarily for college students, SPJ chapters and regional events often include high school programming, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Engaging with SPJ at the high school level introduces students to professional journalism standards and ethics.
- Duration: Annual competition cycle
- Requirements: Student journalists (primarily college; high school involvement through regional chapters)
- Application Deadline: Varies by SPJ region
41. Journalism Education Association (JEA) Student Media Workshops
The Journalism Education Association is the nation’s largest scholastic journalism organization, and it hosts workshops, conventions, and competitions throughout the year. JEA’s national conventions feature hundreds of on-site competitive events in writing, editing, photography, design, and broadcasting, as well as intensive workshops led by professional journalists and award-winning advisers. Students can earn individual and publication recognition at the national level.
- Duration: National conventions (fall and spring); state-level events year-round
- Requirements: High school students involved in student media
- Application Deadline: Registration-based; check JEA website
42. The Marshall Project’s Youth Journalism Programs
The Marshall Project, a Pulitzer Prize-winning nonpartisan nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system, periodically partners with youth journalism programs and accepts student contributors. Their News Inside publication, distributed in correctional facilities, and their data journalism work offer unique exposure to investigative and accountability journalism. Students interested in criminal justice reporting can find mentorship and learning opportunities through The Marshall Project’s outreach initiatives.
- Duration: Varies by opportunity
- Requirements: High school and college students with strong interest in investigative journalism
- Application Deadline: Varies; check The Marshall Project website
43. The Op-Ed Project — Write to Change the World
The Op-Ed Project trains underrepresented voices to write and publish opinion pieces in major media outlets. While the organization’s core programs serve adults, their Write to Change the World workshops and free online resources are invaluable for high school students interested in opinion writing, persuasive essays, and op-ed journalism. Students learn how to frame arguments, pitch editors, and place their work in real publications — skills directly applicable to both journalism and college applications.
- Duration: Workshops and online resources (ongoing)
- Requirements: Open to all; free resources available online
- Application Deadline: N/A for online resources; workshop dates vary
44. Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute (MJNI)
In addition to the Cherubs program (#2 on this list), Northwestern’s Medill School also offers the Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute, a five-week intensive for high school students who have already demonstrated a strong commitment to journalism. MJNI students take on more advanced reporting projects, work directly with Medill faculty on in-depth stories, and produce professional-quality multimedia content. This is one of the most rigorous and competitive high school journalism programs in the country.
- Duration: 5 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students with demonstrated journalism experience and commitment
- Application Deadline: Typically February–March 2026; check Medill website
45. PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs
PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs is a national journalism education program that connects high school students with their local PBS stations and NewsHour journalists. Students learn video production, reporting, and storytelling skills while producing content on issues affecting their communities. Select student work is featured on the PBS NewsHour broadcast and website, providing national visibility. The program is free and operates through participating schools and community organizations.
- Duration: School year (ongoing program)
- Requirements: High school students; participate through a school or community organization partner
- Application Deadline: Rolling; check Student Reporting Labs website for partner sites
46. Dow Jones News Fund High School Workshop Directory
The Dow Jones News Fund maintains a comprehensive directory of high school journalism workshops across the country, many of which are free or low-cost. The directory includes programs at universities like Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Syracuse, and many others. While DJNF’s flagship internship program targets college students, the high school workshop directory is the most authoritative resource for finding journalism training programs nationwide.
- Duration: Varies by workshop (typically 1-3 weeks)
- Requirements: High school students; varies by program
- Application Deadline: Varies; browse the full directory at dowjonesnewsfund.org
47. Teen Vogue Internship and Contributor Programs
Teen Vogue, part of Conde Nast, has built a reputation for youth-focused investigative and political journalism alongside its fashion and culture coverage. The magazine accepts pitches from young writers and has published work by high school students. While formal internships at Conde Nast are primarily for college students, Teen Vogue’s contributor program and pitch guidelines offer high school students a pathway to publication in a nationally recognized outlet.
- Duration: Varies (contributor pitches are ongoing)
- Requirements: High school and college students; strong writing samples required
- Application Deadline: Ongoing; check Teen Vogue’s pitch guidelines
48. The Berkeley Advanced Media Institute (BAMI) — Summer Workshops
UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, one of the top-ranked journalism programs in the country, periodically offers pre-college and summer workshops for high school students. Programs focus on multimedia journalism, video production, data journalism, and investigative reporting. Berkeley’s proximity to Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area media market provides unique access to technology and media innovation.
- Duration: 1-2 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students (check availability for 2026)
- Application Deadline: Varies; check UC Berkeley journalism website
49. Youth Communication
Youth Communication is a New York City-based nonprofit where teens write true stories about their lives for publication in magazines, books, and online platforms used by schools and youth-serving organizations nationwide. Youth Communication’s writing programs provide intensive editorial mentorship, and published stories reach hundreds of thousands of readers. For students interested in personal essay, narrative journalism, and nonfiction storytelling, this is one of the most impactful opportunities available.
- Duration: School year and summer programs
- Requirements: NYC teens; no prior writing experience required
- Application Deadline: Rolling; check youthcomm.org
50. The Columbia Journalism School Precollege Program
Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies offers a precollege journalism program that introduces high school students to the rigor and standards of Columbia’s world-renowned Graduate School of Journalism. Students learn the fundamentals of reporting, writing, editing, media ethics, and multimedia production through intensive workshops and seminars. The program takes advantage of Columbia’s New York City location to connect students with working journalists and newsroom visits.
- Duration: 1-3 weeks (summer 2026)
- Requirements: High school students (typically rising juniors and seniors)
- Application Deadline: Rolling; check Columbia Precollege Programs website
Conclusion
These journalism internships and programs offer unparalleled experiences for high school students passionate about journalism and writing. Each one provides a wealth of benefits: hands-on practice, mentorship, scholarships, and even publication—making them the ideal springboard for aspiring journalists and writers.
Why are these opportunities so valuable?
Through these internships, high school students not only become familiar with the world of journalism but also have the chance to create a robust portfolio and network with like-minded individuals in their chosen field. These programs place young writers and journalists at the threshold of a promising career, whether it’s through intensive workshops, real-life reporting experiences, or exciting competitions.
Searching for the perfect journalism internship?
With Empowerly, you get tailored mentorship and resources to let you do your best in this pursuit of journalism. Their expert advisors specialize in application strategies, perfecting résumés, and preparing students for interviews, ensuring you stand out in this competitive field. With Empowerly’s guidance, aspiring journalists will gain the confidence and skills necessary to secure top-notch internships that set the stage for a successful career.
Get on board with Empowerly and launch your fulfilling career in journalism today!
