25 Journalism Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2026

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 Session 1: June 21 – 26
• In-person Session 1: June 28 –  July 3
• Virtual Session 1: July 6 – 10
• Virtual Session 2: July 13 – 17
• Virtual Session 3: July 20 – 24

Location: Online and Columbia University 

Application Deadline:

• Commuter: June 1
• Residential: May 21
• Online: June 30 

Cost: 

• Commuter: $1,700
• Residential: $3,000
• Virtual: $1,100

 

Offered through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), this short summer program brings together high school students interested in developing their journalistic skills. Over the span of one intense week, students work alongside peers who are equally passionate about journalism to build interviewing and reporting skills, including:

 

• Broadcast Journalism 
• Design 
• Digital Media 
• Editing
• Writing

 

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.

 

2. NSLC on Journalism

 

Dates: 

• Session 1: July 8 – 16
• Session 2: July 20 – 28

Location: Columbia University 

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $4,495 

 

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) offers rising freshmen to seniors the opportunity to learn about various topics related to communication, writing, and journalism, such as:

 

• Broadcast Journalism
• Interviewing 
• Investigative Reporting  
• News Writing
• Pitching 
• Sportswriting

 

Beyond the classroom, students explore journalism-related sites in New York City like NBC Studios, Inc. Magazine, and the Columbia School of Journalism. 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 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. 

 

4. JCamp

 

Dates: July 20 – 26

Location: Minneapolis, MN 

Application Deadline: January 11

Cost: Free 

The 

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.

 

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 28 – July 24

Location: Northwestern University

Application Deadline: March 2

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, an essay, standardized test results if available, and evidence of interest in journalism. 

 

6. ASU Camp at Cronkite

 

Dates:

• Session 1: June 7 – 12
• Session 2: June 21 – 26

Location: Arizona State University (ASU)

Application Deadline: March 15

Cost:  $899

 

Offered through Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, this program allows students to explore writing, visual storytelling, and personal branding. Campers will develop skills such as video editing, photography, reporting, writing, script development, AR/VR media, and more. Students will also get a sneak peek at college life during their week staying on ASU’s campus.

 

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for eligible campers.

 

7. Game Changers: Sports Communications and the Fan Experience

 

Dates:

• Session 1: July 13 – 17
• Session 2: July 27 – 31

Location: Quinnipiac University

Application Deadline: June 1

Cost:

• Commuter: $1,500
• Residential: $1,800

 

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 18 – 23

Location: University of Florida 

Application Deadline: March 5

Cost: $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
• Filmmaking
• News Writing
• Social Media
• Sports Reporting

 

9. AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference

 

Dates: June 21 – 26

Location: Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline: March 15

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 6 – 10
• Session 2: July 12 – 16

Location: Indiana University 

Application Deadline: June 15

Cost: 

• Commuter: $395
• Residential: $585 

 

Each year, Indiana University offers a variety of intensive workshops for high school students interested in journalism, on topics including (but not limited to):

 

• Intro to Photography 
• Photojournalism
• Podcasting
• Reporting and Writing
• Sports Photography 
• Yearbook 

 

Two scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students. 

 

11. Princeton Summer Journalism Program

 

Dates: Late June  – early August 

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. The program is 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 gives them a taste of what life at an elite institution is like. 

 

12. NYC Summer Academy

 

Dates:

• Session 1: June 7 – 19
• Session 2: June 21 – July 3
• Session 3: July 5 – 17
• Session 4: July 19 – 31

Location: New York City

Application Deadline: Rolling

Cost:

• Commuter: $6,195
• Residential: $7,695

 

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 18 – June 30
• Session 2: July 1 – August 12

Location: New York University (NYU)

Application Deadline: 

• Session 1: May 1
• Session 2: June 15

Cost: $8,008 

 

Through this program on NYU‘s campus in the heart of New York City, students can explore a range of topics, from covering news on YouTube 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.  

 

14. NYU Urban Journalism Workshop

 

Dates: July 12 – 18

Location: New York University (NYU)

Application Deadline: March 18

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 such as 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 12 – 17
• Session 2: July 19 – 24

Location: George Mason University 

Application Deadline: N/A 

Cost: $2,650

 

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. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded one general elective college credit by George Mason University. 

 

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 that helps high school students gain experience in fields of journalism, offers a four-day boot camp 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 12 – 16

Location: Ohio University 

Application Deadline: June 19

Cost: $450

 

This five-day workshop is one of the country’s oldest high school journalism programs. Numerous tracks are available, including:

 

• Broadcast 
• Magazine 
• News Reporting and Writing
• Podcasting 
• Public and Media Relations 
• Sportswriting 
• Visual Storytelling  

 

Participants also interact with professional journalists and faculty, connect with similarly interested peers, and work on a college campus.

 

18. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement

 

Dates: June 15 – July 2

Location: University of Southern California (USC) 

Application Deadline: April 19

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—just 26 applicants are chosen—and interested students must apply with an essay, letter of recommendation, resume, an official high school transcript, and a headshot. 

 

19. UConn Multimedia Journalism

 

Dates: June 21 – 27

Location: University of Connecticut (UConn)

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: $2,100

 

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 11 – 18

Location: Oregon State University

Application Deadline: May 4

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. 

 

Participants 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: June 7 – 13

Location: University of Alabama

Application Deadline: April 1

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’s 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: N/A1

Cost: Free

 

While not exactly a summer program, high schoolers interested 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

 

Dates: June 21 – 24

Location: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC)

Application Deadline: March 15

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 6 – 15

Location: Online and Harvard University 

Application Deadline: N/A

Cost: 

• In-person: $950
• Online: $750 

 

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 engage in workshops and seminars, and produce a piece of reporting that can be used in their portfolios and for college applications.

 

Need-based financial aid is available to qualifying students.

 

How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?  

 

Some summer programs are more competitive than others, 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 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.