25 Journalism Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- 25 Journalism Summer Programs for High Schoolers
- How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Interested in pursuing a career in journalism? If you’re a capable critical thinker, strong writer, or proactive researcher, this fast-paced profession could be for you. And you don’t need to wait until college to start building the skills you need to succeed in the field.
These summer programs will help you learn all about the exciting world of journalism and prepare you to thrive in college and beyond.
Journalism Summer Programs for High Schoolers
1. CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop
Dates:
- In-person: June 22 – 27
- Virtual Session 1: July 7 – 11
- Virtual Session 2: July 14 – 18
- Virtual Session 3: July 21 – 25
Location: Columbia University and online
Application Deadline: TBD
Cost:
- Residential: $2,199
- Commuter: $1,399
- Virtual: $999
Offered through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association of Columbia University, this short summer program brings together high school students interested in developing their journalistic skills. Over the span of one intense week, students build interviewing and reporting skills, including writing, editing, management, and advanced design, alongside peers who are equally passionate about journalism.
Students can stay on Columbia University’s campus to get a taste of college life in New York City, commute to campus, or participate in the program from their own homes. Financial assistance may be available to qualifying students.
2. NSLC on Journalism
Dates:
- Session 1: June 12 – 20
- Session 2: June 24 – July 2
Location: American University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $4,295
In conjunction with American University’s School of Communication, the National Student Leadership Conference offers rising freshmen to seniors the opportunity to learn about various topics related to communication, writing, and journalism, such as broadcast journalism, news writing, sportswriting, investigative reporting, and much more.
Beyond the classroom, students explore D.C., by visiting famous sites like the National Press Club, American Film Institute, and a Washington Nationals tour. Students can even receive college credit for the session if they choose to enroll in a supplemental online course offered through American University that goes hand-in-hand with the program. Scholarships are available for this program.
3. UGA Summer Media Academy
Dates: Varies
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost:
- Commuter: $530
- Residential: $1,255
At the University of Georgia, students can explore journalism, advertising and public relations, and entertainment and media studies. From creating photo essays to producing podcasts, students participate in a range of media-related activities over the span of this one-week program.
Students can opt for the overnight camp on UGA’s campus or choose a commuter program during the day. Limited need-based financial aid is available—there is a separate financial aid application for interested students offered on the website.
4. JCamp
Dates: July 26 – August 1
Location: Seattle, Washington
Application Deadline: January 31
Cost: Free
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) offers a multicultural journalism program for high school students that brings together students from across the country to study under veteran journalists and leading media executives. During the program, students receive training and produce multiplatform news packages, all while collaborating and honing their overall journalism skills.
In order to apply, students must submit an application online, including a letter of recommendation, a short introduction video, supplemental essay responses, and optional work samples.
5. Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Location: Northwestern University
Application Deadline: March 6
Cost: $5,000
Known as “Medill Cherubs,” this is a complete immersion in media on Northwestern‘s campus for rising high school seniors. Students learn from journalists and professors and gain hands-on experience, eventually even creating their own body of work, all while building connections with other aspiring journalists.
Need-based financial aid and scholarships are available. Students can apply for both the program and financial assistance online and need to include a high school transcript, a letter of recommendation, standardized test results if available, and evidence of an interest in journalism.
6. ASU Camp at Cronkite
Dates:
- Session 1: June 8 – 13
- Session 2: June 15 – 20
Location: Arizona State University
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: $799 – $899
Offered through Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, this program allows students to choose between two tracks–media and sports media. Students will also get a sneak peek at college life during their week staying on ASU’s campus.
Campers will grow skills such as video editing, photography, reporting, writing, script development, AR/VR media, and more. Need-based scholarships are available for eligible campers.
7. Game Changers: Sports Communications and the Fan Experience
Dates:
- Session 1: July 14 – 18
- Session 2: July 21 – 25
Location: Quinnipiac University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Residential: $1,680
- Commuter: $1,400
Quinnipiac University offers a one-week summer program for high school students aspiring to work in sports media. Participants will utilize Quinnipiac’s wide variety of resources to produce their own sports-related stories, social media, advertising, or documentaries, all under the guidance of esteemed faculty. The program also brings in many guest speakers and sports professionals, allowing participants the chance to interact, learn, and connect with those working in the industry.
8. UF Summer Media Institute
Dates: June 22 – 27
Location: University of Florida
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: $949 – $999
The University of Florida offers an intensive media workshop through its College of Journalism and Communications for high school students. Throughout the week, students can take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities to learn about and prepare for an education and career in media.
Students can choose from a wide variety of electives, depending on their area of interest, all while getting a week-long taste of the college experience. Specializations include anchoring, broadcast reporting, news writing, filmmaking, social media, sports reporting, and more.
9. AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
Dates: June 22 – 27
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: March 23
Cost: Free
Each year, the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference selects one high school junior from each state and Washington, D.C. (51 students total) to participate in a June conference and receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
The application includes a headshot, an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, three scholastic work samples, and two essays.
10. Indiana University High School Journalism Institute
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – 11
- Session 2: July 13 – 17
Location: Indiana University
Application Deadline: June 15
Cost: $525
Each year, Indiana University offers a variety of intensive workshops for high school students interested in journalism, on topics including (but not limited to) Reporting & Writing, Photojournalism, Podcasting, and Intro to Documentary Filmmaking. Two scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students.
11. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Dates: July 24 – August 3
Location: Princeton University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) was one of the first programs to provide high-achieving high schoolers from low-income backgrounds with a free, residential journalism and college prep program. Participants study current affairs, learn from Princeton professors and journalists, and collaborate on a range of projects, including their own newspaper, The Princeton Summer Journal.
Additionally, students (who must be rising seniors) will receive extensive guidance on how to navigate every part of the college process, from identifying best-fit schools to writing personal statements. This year, the program is being offered in a hybrid format, with students completing and participating in online work before being assembled on Princeton’s campus for a 10-day residential experience that will give them a taste of what life at an elite institution is like.
12. NYC Summer Academy
Dates:
- Session 1: June 8 – 20
- Session 2: June 22 – July 4
- Session 3: July 6 – 18
- Session 4: July 20 – August 1
Location: New York City
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost:
- Residential: $7,265
- Commuter: $5,935
In this program offered by The New York Times, rising high school students in grades 10 through 12 (including graduating seniors) can learn from journalists, editors, and experts at the most famous newspaper in the world. They’ll study topics like photojournalism, feature writing, investigative reporting, and filmmaking and video storytelling.
Scholarships are available and dispersed on a first-applied, first-awarded basis until funds are exhausted.
13. Summer Journalism @ NYU
Dates:
- Session 1: May 19 – July 1
- Session 2: July 2 – August 13
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline:
- Session 1: May 5
- Session 2: June 16
Cost: $7,664
Through this program on NYU‘s campus in the heart of New York City, students can explore a range of topics, ranging from narrative podcasting to food reporting to covering beats through an LGBTQ lens. Students will also meet working journalists, and may even have the opportunity to receive college credit for their work.
This program is open to high school sophomores and juniors. Only a very limited number of scholarships are available to students who demonstrate a high level of financial need.
14. NYU Urban Journalism Workshop
Dates: July 13 – 19
Location: New York University (NYU)
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This free residential program aims to equip the next generation of journalists with the skills they’ll need for successful careers. Participants receive hands-on training in areas like reporting, news writing, and multimedia journalism, and visit major newsrooms like CNN, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and ABC News.
The program is open to high schoolers from the New York City metropolitan area.
15. The Washington Journalism and Media Conference
Dates:
- Session 1: July 7 – 12
- Session 2: July 14 – 19
Location: George Mason University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $2,600
Every year, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) hosts National Youth Correspondents from across the country at George Mason University for a week-long program. Students will learn in hands-on settings from industry leaders, award-winning journalists, international media outlets, and Washington insiders, and have access to exclusive field visits.
To participate, students must be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or program alum, or be invited directly by the program. One general elective college credit is awarded by George Mason University for participation. Limited, partial scholarships are available to students with demonstrated need.
16. Media Now
Dates: July 7 – 10
Location: Drake University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $465 – $650
Each year, Media Now, an organization geared towards helping high school students gain experience in journalism fields, offers a four-day boot camp hosted at Drake University. During that time, students will participate in a variety of hands-on projects, learn about topics such as editing, photography, and broadcasting, and present their knowledge at a program-wide awards ceremony at the end of the session.
17. Ohio University’s High School Journalism Workshop
Dates: July 13 – 171
Location: Ohio University
Application Deadline: June 20
Cost: $450
This five-day workshop offers various tracks within the field of journalism for students to choose from, focused on topics such as magazines, broadcasts, podcasting, and more. Students may also be eligible to receive college credit for their participation in the program.
18. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Location: University of Southern California (USC)
Application Deadline: April 14
Cost: Free
Offered through USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, this intensive three-week summer program allows high school students from the Los Angeles County area who are interested in media to learn about careers in the field, develop their skills, and meet with scholars from the school.
This program is highly selective, and interested students must apply with two supplemental essays, one letter of recommendation, a resume, an official high school transcript, and a headshot.
19. UConn Multimedia Journalism
Dates: June 22 – 28
Location: University of Connecticut
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $2,050 – $2,150
Participants in this summer program are introduced to reporting, interviewing, and storytelling for media outlets ranging from print to digital to broadcast news. Participants will learn how to interview, engage with an audience, and decipher fact from fiction—all while building valuable skills like critical thinking, communication, and writing.
Students will also get outside of the classroom, visiting a television news studio and meeting with veteran journalists.
20. High School Journalism Institute
Dates: July 12 – 19
Location: Oregon State University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Students gain hands-on journalism experience in this free program provided by Oregon State University, The Oregonian’s website, OregonLive.com, and other media outlets. During the program, participants create a 36-page newspaper, as well as contribute blogs and multimedia pieces for established news outlets. They also get the chance to explore Oregon State’s campus and meet with contributors to the university’s award-winning newspaper, The Daily Barometer.
Students can earn college credit for their participation in the program.
21. Multicultural Journalism Workshop (MJW) at The University of Alabama
Dates: N/A
Location: University of Alabama
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
During this immersive six-day residential experience at the University of Alabama, students learn about careers in journalism and media. Students sharpen their reporting, writing, editing, design, and photography skills and gain hands-on experience facing real deadlines and producing content that will be showcased in the MJW Journal.
This is a competitive program and just 10 to 15 students are invited to attend annually. A transcript, a 500-word essay, three writing samples or links to broadcast work, and a signed recommendation are required to apply.
22. The Daily Free Press Summer Journalism Bootcamp
Dates: August 5, 12, and 19
Location: Online
Application Deadline: August 1
Cost: Free
While not exactly a summer program, high schoolers with an interest in journalism will want to look into this free bootcamp provided by The Daily Free Press—Boston University’s independent student newspaper. Participants will build foundational journalism skills, work individually with editors, and produce one piece of reporting that they can use in their portfolios and which may be published in The Daily Free Press.
23. Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in Education and Media
Dates: June 22 – 25
Location: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC)
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Students from all backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are invited to apply for this competitive journalism program. Students participate in classroom study, real-world reporting, and newsroom practice, with the program culminating in the production of a multimedia publication called The Mix.
Just 12 high school seniors are accepted to the program annually. The application requires an essay and a letter of recommendation from a journalism advisor or guidance counselor.
24. New England High School Journalism Collaborative
Dates: June 21 – 28
Location: Simmons University
Application Deadline: April 4
Cost: Free
Students will build hands-on skills in reporting, writing, editing, and creating multimedia projects in this free immersive experience hosted by the New England Newspaper and Press Association. Participants will be assigned stories, conduct interviews, and craft stories on deadline while creating their own newspaper.
The program is aimed at New England students from underserved populations and preference is given to high school juniors and seniors.
25. The Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Academy
Dates: July 7 – 16
Location: Harvard University and online
Application Deadline: April 4
Cost: $750 – $950
Students in this summer program learn the fundamentals of journalism while getting an inside look at one of the leading collegiate newspapers, The Harvard Crimson. Participants will engage in workshops, listen to seminars, take part in workshops, and create a piece of reporting that can be used in portfolios and for college admissions.
Need-based financial aid is available to qualifying students.
How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Some summer programs are more competitive, requiring letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, while others are open to all students within a particular grade level. Consequently, some summer programs are given more weight in college admissions than others.
The four tiers of extracurricular activities are a good way to understand how colleges value activities outside of the classroom, like summer programs. The most impressive, prestigious, rare, and influential activities are placed in the top two tiers. A good example of a top-tier journalism summer program is the super-selective Annenberg Youth Academy program at USC.
Lower-tier extracurricular activities don’t hold the same sway with admissions offices, but they are often still valuable. Less-selective and esteemed programs still show off your interests to potential colleges while highlighting your desire to pursue your passions. Many field-specific activities also help build the skills you need to ace everything from the essays to interviews you’ll encounter in the college application process.
Curious how the summer program you participated in affects your odds of college admission? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors, including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
