If you are glued to the news and dream of seeing your name in the newspaper, of being a top reporter, journalism is the best career option for you.
Journalism develops your communication skills and overall personality, giving you confidence.
Here is a list of 10 summer internship opportunities that will give you an idea and help you pursue a career in journalism.
1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (Hybrid: virtual and on-campus)
Program Dates: Multi-week summer intensive, culminating in a 10-day residential experience (Summer 2025)
Cost: Free for admitted students
Eligibility: High school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Deadline: Every May (exact 2025 deadline not specified)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a competitive, all-expenses-covered, comprehensive program for high school students. For several weeks, students are taught about journalism by Princeton faculty members and working journalists. The program features workshops, lectures, field trips, and a concluding on-campus residential experience.
2. NSLC Journalism Program
Location: Programs are hosted at prestigious universities including American University, Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Miami, University of Michigan, Oxford (UK), and University of British Columbia (Canada)
Program Dates: Sessions vary by campus and field, typically lasting 6–18 days throughout the summer
Cost: Generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, covering housing, meals, materials, and activities; transportation and some optional excursions not included
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school (grades 9–12)
Deadline: Rolling admissions,applications are accepted until programs fill. Early application is recommended for best availability.
The NSLC provides programs in various fields such as live journalism and reporting, arts, law, etc. Participants learn from renowned journalists and professors through immersive workshops and field trips covering behind-the-scenes training.
3. AAJA JCamp
Location: Rotates annually (hosted at a major U.S. university)
Program Dates: Six days in summer (dates vary)
Cost: Free (all costs, including travel, lodging, and meals, are covered)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Deadline: Early March (applications open in January)
AAJA’s is a six-day, fully-funded multicultural journalism camp for sophomores and juniors in high school. Students from all over the United States are taught by top journalists and media executives, receive practical newsroom training, and create stories for multiple platforms. JCamp cultivates a network of alumni that lasts a lifetime
4. Dow Jones News Fund High School Workshops
Location: Various U.S. universities and newsrooms
Program Dates: Summer (dates and locations vary)
Cost: Free or low-cost (varies by workshop)
Eligibility: High school students (specifics vary by workshop)
Deadline: Varies by location and program
Dow Jones News Fund High School Workshops offer funding to aspiring journalists and provide focus on health and wellness in underrepresented communities, or multimedia storytelling and other topics.
5. Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute “Cherubs”
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Program Dates: Five weeks in summer (typically late June–July)
Cost: Tuition applies; financial aid available
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Deadline: January (for summer program)
Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute is a five week program which teaches students writing, reporting and editing for digital and broadcasting print by immersing themselves in media. It also provides students practical experiences guided by top journalists and professors.
6. City Limits Clarify Youth Journalism Program
Location: New York City (hybrid/remote options may be available)
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary)
Cost: Paid internship (stipend provided)
Eligibility: NYC high school students
Deadline: Varies (check official site for current cycle)
The Clarify program at City Limits is a part-time, paid summer internship for New York City high school students who are journalism-inclined. The interns are taught reporting, writing, and multimedia, and write stories on problems that impact their community. The program offers mentorship from veteran journalists combined with direct newsroom experience. It's a special chance for NYC teens to gain experience and be heard.
7. The School of The New York Times Summer Academy (NYC)
Location: New York City, NY (Hybrid)
Program Dates:
Term 1: June 8–20, 2025
Term 2: June 22–July 4, 2025
Term 3: July 6–18, 2025
Term 4: July 20–Aug 1, 2025
Cost:
Residential: $7,265 (includes tuition, room, board, materials fee)
Day: $5,935 (includes tuition, daily lunch, materials fee)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors (ages 15–18 by program start)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
The School of The New York Times Summer Academy offers students courses in journalism, media, technology, arts, etc. Participants learn from reporters, editors and industry experts. You can choose from skills such as pop music, filmmaking, journalism, etc. It’s ideal for teens eager to experience the fast-paced world of news and storytelling.
8. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA (on-campus and online options)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July 2025
Cost: $2,400–$4,500 (varies by session and format)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply early for best availability)
Boston University's Summer Journalism Academy provides high school students with hands-on experience in news reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling. Students learn from award-winning journalists and BU faculty, covering actual events and creating publishable stories.
9. UGA Grady College Summer Media Academy
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA (in-person)
Program Dates:
Advertising & Public Relations: June 9–13, 2025
Broadcast Journalism: June 9–13, 2025
Entertainment & Media Studies: June 16–20, 2025
Multimedia Journalism: June 16–20, 2025
Cost: Residential $1,255; Commuter $530 (limited need-based financial aid available)
Eligibility: Ages 13–17 (at start of camp)
Deadline: Registration opens Jan. 15, 2025; rolling admissions until filled (max 20 per camp); financial aid applications due March 14, 2025
UGA Grady College Summer Media Academy is a week-long program online and offline, which provides opportunities in entertainment, multimedia, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, etc. Guest speakers conduct workshops, and instructors conduct engaging activities.
10. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (in-person and virtual options)
Program Dates:
In-person: One week in June (on Columbia’s campus)
Virtual: Three sessions in July
Cost: $2000-$6000 (depending on the program mode)
Eligibility: High school print and online publication staff
Deadline: June 1, 2025
The CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop at Columbia University is a training ground for high school print and online publication staff. Now in its 43rd year, the workshop offers both in-person and virtual options, with intensive sessions on writing, editing, management, and design. Students learn from top journalism educators and collaborate with peers from across the country. It’s an ideal environment to sharpen newsroom skills and prepare for the upcoming school year.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!