Journalism 

Journalism is far more than just writing; it’s about discovering, fact-checking, and presenting news and information clearly and responsibly across platforms like newspapers, podcasts, social media, and so much more. If you’re interested in photography, storytelling, design, or current events, journalism is the perfect place to have your voice be heard. Some programs listed here have early deadlines during the school year, so make sure to be prepared! High school opportunities in journalism can include student-run newspapers, media clubs, summer journalism programs, or submissions to local or digital publications! 

Program

1. The Hearst High School Media Internship at the Paley Center - This is a 5-week, paid, best-in-class media-focused summer internship for rising 11th and 12th grade students. The program will encompass Media Literacy and Digital Learning, Media Career Development, and Mentorship. 

   • Application Deadline: Typically due in late March 

   • Interns will be paid $16.50 per hour and will be reimbursed for travel expenses 

   • https://www.paleycenter.org/education/interns-hs 

     
     

2. Chalkbeat’s Student Voices Fellowship - This fellowship is an extracurricular program that seeks applicants who wish to publish personal essays on Chalkbeat and attend public high schools in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. 

   • Application Deadline: Typically due in late August

   • Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend 

   • https://www.chalkbeat.org/student-voices-fellowship/ 

     
     

3. Press Pass NYC’s Student Journalism Leaders Fellowship Program - This is a year‑long fellowship for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors at participating NYC public schools. Designed to train student journalists to become effective leaders of their school news publications. 

   • Application Deadline: Typically around March or April

   • Includes mentorship, workshops, and a summer “Student Editor Bootcamp.”

   • https://www.presspassnyc.org/program 

     
     

4. The Bell Summer Youth Podcast Academy - This is a three-week summer podcasting academy that offers immersive, hands-on training that students use to create their own podcast episodes.

   • Application Deadline: Typically due in March

   • Students will receive a $500 stipend and daily lunch allowance

   • https://www.bellvoices.org/summer 

     
     

5. City Limit’s CLARIFY (City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth) Youth Program - This is a paid journalism internship program for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors in high school, and newly graduated seniors in NYC focused on public service and investigative reporting.

   • Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for the summer and fall programs

   • Successful participants can earn up to $2000 for completing the full internship

   • The program offers training in reporting, interviewing, news writing, ethics, and photography, with opportunities to get published on City Limits News.

   • https://citylimits.org/clarify-youth-program/ 

     
     

6. New York Times NYC Summer Academy - This is a summer program that offers courses that explore topics in journalism, media, technology, arts, culture, sports, fashion, business, and more, taught by industry experts. 

   • Application Deadline: Varies in terms of early, priority, and regular deadlines

   • Each two-week course costs $5,935 for Day Students or $7,265 for Residential Students.

   • This is a pre-college program that allows students to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible topics of study.

   • https://nytedu.com/pre-college/summer-academy/nyc/ 

     
     

7. NYU Urban Journalism Workshop - This is a free, 10-day summer program that immerses high school students from the NYC area in hands-on journalism training, multimedia storytelling, and real newsroom experiences.

   • Application Deadline: Typically due in mid-February

   • No cost to attend

   • https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/NYU-Urban-Journalism-Workshop.html 

     
     

8. Harvard Crimson’s Summer Journalism Academy - A two‑week immersive journalism experience where high school students learn reporting, writing, design, and newsroom operations from current Harvard Crimson editors.

   • Application Deadline: Typically at the beginning of summer 

   • Offered in person at Harvard or virtually

   • https://www.gp.thecrimson.com/sja 

     
     

9. Princeton Summer Journalism Program - This is a free, year-long opportunity for high-achieving, low-income high school juniors that includes virtual journalism training, a 10-day residential workshop at Princeton University, and personalized college admissions guidance.

   • Application Deadline: Typically due in late February

   • Must be a junior in high school when applying

   • https://psjp.princeton.edu/about-program/program/summer-program 

     
     

10. Library of Congress High School Summer Internship - This is a four‑week, unpaid research and youth engagement internship (virtual or hybrid for nearby students) where selected U.S. high schoolers aged 16+ help the Library develop and offer teen‑centered content for a new exhibition space while honing research, writing, and public programming skills. 

    • Application Deadline: Typically due in late February

    • Students can earn up to 60 service hours upon the completion of the internship. 

    • https://www.loc.gov/item/internships/high-school-summer-internship/