20 Journalism Summer Programs for High Schoolers in 2024
What’s Covered:
- 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. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
Dates:
- On Campus: June 24 – July 12
-
Learn-from-Home:
- Session A: June 17 – 28
- Session B: July 1 – 12
- Session C: July 15 – 26
Location: Boston, MA (also available virtually)
Application deadline: April 19 (on campus) or May 10 (virtual)
Cost: On-Campus: $6200; Virtual: $1500
Students ages 14 to 18 have the opportunity to expand their journalism skills while learning from real working reporters via Boston University’s Summer Journalism Academy. Lessons involve practical applications, and students receive reporting assignments that will help them learn what the life of a news reporter looks like.
Students can choose from a variety of experiences, including in-person classes in News Reporting and Photojournalism, and a learn-from-home session for students who wish to conduct the program virtually. Students who demonstrate financial need are eligible to receive scholarships.
2. CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop
Dates:
- In-person: June 23 – 28
- Virtual: July 8 – 12; July 15 – 19; or July 22 – 26
Location: New York, NY (also available virtually)
Application Deadline: TBD
Cost: $849
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, or participate in the program from their own homes. Financial assistance may be available to qualifying students.
3. NSLC on Journalism
Dates: June 13 – 21; or June 25 – July 3
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $3,995
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 documentary filmmaking, news writing, sportswriting, podcasting, and much more.
Beyond the classroom, students explore D.C., by visiting famous sites like the Smithsonian Museums, the White House, and the National Zoo. Students can even be eligible to 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.
4. UGA Summer Media Academy
Dates: June 10 – 14; or June 17 – 21 (depending on subject)
Location: Athens, GA
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: Day Camp: $500; Residential Camp: $1175
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 can 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.
5. JCamp
Dates: August 3 – 9
Location: Austin, Texas
Application deadline: March 1
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 in Washington, D.C. 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.
6. Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
Dates: June 23 – July 19
Location: Evanston, IL
Application deadline: March 11
Cost: $5000
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.
7. ASU Camp at Cronkite
Dates: June 23 – 28
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Application deadline: April 1
Cost: $699
Offered through Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, this program allows students to choose between three tracks–digital journalism, broadcast journalism, 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.
8. QU’s Sports Journalism for High School Students
Dates: July 15 – 19; or July 29 – August 2
Location: Hamden, CT
Application Deadline: June 2
Cost: $1,680 (overnight program); $1,200 (commuter program)
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 stories, host press conferences, and interview professional athletes, all under the guidance of esteemed faculty. The program also brings in many guest speakers and sports journalism professionals during the program. Students can apply online and are accepted on a rolling basis.
9. UF Summer Media Institute
Dates: June 23 – 28
Location: Gainesville, FL
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $850-$1050, depending on timing of application
The University of Florida offers a first-come-first-serve 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.
10. AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
Dates: June 22 – June 27
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: Free, plus a $1000 scholarship for all participants to the college of their choice
Each year, the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference selects high school juniors from across the USA to participate in a June conference and receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Selected participants, who must be interested in journalism and have “free spirit” qualities,” meet in Washington, D.C. to explore the field.
The application includes a headshot, an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, three scholastic work samples, and two essays.
11. Indiana University High School Journalism Institute
Dates: July 8 – 12; or July 14 – 18
Location: Bloomington, IN
Application Deadline: June 15
Cost: $515
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.
12. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Dates: July 26 – August 5
Location: Princeton, NJ
Application deadline: February 27
Cost: Free, including cost of transportation to and from Princeton
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.
13. Gap Year Programs with The School of The New York Times
Dates:
- Program A: February 1 – March 12
- Program B: March 22 – April 30
- Program A + B: February 1 – April 30
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: August 5 for participation in 2025 program
Cost: 6 Weeks: $7,500; 12 Weeks: $13,500
In this program offered by The New York Times, graduated high school students between the ages of 18-21 can learn from journalists at the most famous newspaper in the world. They’ll study topics like photojournalism, entrepreneurship for social impact, and writing in the big city.
The admissions process is selective, and the application requires two references, a high school transcript, a resume, and a writing sample. Students can apply for need-based financial aid through a separate form.
14. Summer Journalism @ NYU
Dates:
- Session 1: May 20 – July 2
- Session 2: July 3 – August 15
Location: New York, NY
Application Deadline:
- Session 1: May 5
- Session 2: June 15
Cost: $7,376
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.
15. The Washington Journalism and Media Conference
Dates: July 7 – 12; or July 14 – 19
Location: Fairfax, VA
Application deadline: N/A (must be nominated or invited)
Cost: $2,500
Annually, 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 8 – 11
Location: Des Moines, IA
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $460 (if you register by April 8); $575 (if you register after April 8)
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 7 – 11
Location: Athens, OH
Application deadline: June 21
Cost: $400
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. New York Film Academy Broadcast Journalism Camp
Dates: July 21 – August 10
Location: New York, NY
Application deadline: Year-round, open enrollment
Cost: $3,425
The prestigious New York Film Academy offers a three-week broadcast journalism camp each year for students interested in pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. Throughout the program, students will become news producers, and work to deliver two final projects: one field report and one interview.
19. GRAMMY Camp – Music Journalism Track
Dates: July 14 – 20
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: $1,800
The Recording Academy offers a range of five-day camps for students interested in going into the music industry, with one such camp being centered around music journalism. Throughout the program, students will learn effective writing and communication techniques across various forms of media. To apply, students must submit two work samples, which can be either written or multimedia.
20. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Dates: June 17 – July 19
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Application Deadline: March 22
Cost: $1500
Offered through USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, this intensive 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.
How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
When evaluated according to the four tiers of extracurricular activities—with Tier 1 representing the most specialized and rare activities and Tier 4 representing the most common activities—summer programs are usually considered Tier 3-4. You should have several activities in these categories, although the most impressive candidates will have at least a couple of Tier 1-2 activities.
However, in some cases, particularly selective summer programs may fall into a higher tier. Wondering how your activities stack up? Check out our free chancing engine to find out how your extracurriculars affect your chances of admission at hundreds of colleges across the country—and get tips for improving your profile!
