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 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 14 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, where 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 professionals working in that particular area. 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 years old high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies
2. Northwestern Medill Cherubs Program
The Medill Cherubs Program is an extraordinarily competitive, four-week summer journalism program based at Northwestern University in the storied Medill School of Journalism. Participants are deeply involved in an immersive experience covering the basics and advanced 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: varies by program
- Application Deadline: Varies
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: Rolling
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
- Application Deadline: Varies on term
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 by which 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. This festival is known to all the major arts organizations and, with that, creates a great opportunity for aspiring playwrights to express themselves and gain hands-on experience in the theater scene.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies
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
- Application Deadline: Varies
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 some of the core questions in the humanities through intensive seminars with Stanford professors. 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 1st
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
- Requirements: High school students
- 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 that complements the program. 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
Conclusion
These 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!
