Interested in pursuing a career in journalism after high school? Read on to learn all about the top journalism summer classes.
Journalism summer programs provide high school students with a unique opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience, and develop their ability to use strong critical thinking, research, and writing skills. They can also be a great way to show colleges your interest and passion for the field.
We've got you covered if you’re considering joining a program that will give you the tools and knowledge you need for a successful career. In this article, we’ll outline the country’s top pre-college programs for journalism. Let’s get started!
Here’s our list of the best journalism summer camps for high school students.
Location: Boston, MA
Program Length: Two to three weeks
Cost: $3,950–$6,000
Eligibility: Grade 9 students
Start Date: June 16
Application Deadline: March
The Summer Journalism Academy at Boston University offers aspiring journalists a hands-on experience. Held on BU's campus in Boston, the program provides instruction in writing, reporting, editing, and multimedia storytelling.
Led by industry professionals, participants gain practical skills and insights into modern journalism practices through workshops and real-world assignments. It's an immersive opportunity for students to develop their journalistic talents and pursue their passions in a dynamic learning environment.
Location: New York, NY
Program Length: One week
Cost: TBD
Eligibility: High school seniors
Start Date: June 23
Application Deadline: April 30
The CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop, presented by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, empowers high school students with a passion for journalism to refine their craft. Over the course of one week, participants delve into the intricacies of interviewing, reporting, writing, editing, and management.
Whether attending in person on Columbia University's campus or virtually, students have the flexibility to tailor their experience to their learning preferences. Through immersive hands-on activities and expert guidance from industry professionals, students emerge equipped with invaluable skills and insights to excel in the dynamic world of journalism.
Location: New York, NY
Program Length: Six weeks
Cost: $7,266
Eligibility: 10th and 11th grade students
Start Date: May 20
Application Deadline: TBD
The Summer Journalism at NYU Courses invites aspiring journalists to delve into the vibrant media landscape of New York City. Hosted by New York University, these courses offer a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills vital for success in journalism. From investigative reporting to multimedia storytelling, students engage in rigorous coursework covering a diverse array of topics.
Led by experienced faculty and industry professionals, participants benefit from hands-on training, interactive workshops, and insightful discussions. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Manhattan or joining remotely, students gain invaluable experience, laying a solid foundation for their future careers in journalism.
Location: New Jersey
Program Length: 10 days
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school juniors
Start Date: July/August
Application Deadline: February 15
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program offers a transformative experience, free of charge, to high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, illuminating the realm of journalism. With a core mission to diversify the voices shaping our democracy, the program delves into the profound interplay between journalism and pivotal social and political events.
Through immersive workshops, seminars, and hands-on experiences, participants gain invaluable insights into the power of storytelling and its impact on society. By nurturing a new generation of diverse storytellers, the program not only fosters individual growth but also champions a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.
Location: Washington, DC
Program Length: Nine days
Cost: $3,995
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–11
Start Date: June 13
Application Deadline: March 24
The National Student Leadership Conference, in collaboration with American University, immerses high school students in journalism on the campus of American University in Washington, D.C. Through workshops, lectures, and hands-on projects, participants cover reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling.
Interacting with journalists and media professionals, students acquire valuable skills and insights while also exploring the role of journalism in society and democracy. Ultimately, the program prepares students for future academic and professional pursuits in journalism.
Location: Evanston, IL
Program Length: Four weeks
Cost: $5,000
Eligibility: Grade 11 students
Start Date: June 23
Application Deadline: May 31
Through a blend of hands-on workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities led by seasoned journalists and esteemed faculty, the Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute offers participants invaluable skills in reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, students have the chance to produce professional-quality work while exploring the ethical and societal responsibilities of journalism. Young journalists are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Location: Athens, GA
Program Length: One week
Cost: $500 (Day Camp) or $1,175 (Residential Camp)
Eligibility: High school student between the ages of 13–17 years
Start Date: June 17
Application Deadline: March 1
The UGA Summer Media Academy at the University of Georgia offers a dynamic and immersive experience for aspiring media professionals. Through hands-on workshops, industry insights, and expert-led sessions, participants gain practical skills and knowledge across various media disciplines, including journalism, broadcasting, filmmaking, and digital media production.
With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty guiding the way, the UGA Summer Media Academy equips students with the tools and confidence to pursue successful careers in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Location: Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX
Program Length: Six days
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: August 3
Application Deadline: March 1
This intensive program, hosted in collaboration with the Asian American Journalists Association, provides participants with hands-on training, mentorship, and networking opportunities in a professional newsroom setting.
Through workshops, seminars, and interactive projects, students delve into various aspects of journalism, from reporting and writing to multimedia storytelling and digital media production.
Led by experienced journalists and industry experts, JCamp equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue careers in journalism while fostering diversity and inclusion in the media landscape.
Location: Washington, DC
Program Length: One week
Cost: Free with a scholarship of $1,000 for students
Eligibility: Grade 11
Start Date: June 22
Application Deadline: March 1
The AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference offers workshops and discussions led by industry professionals. It focuses on journalism ethics, innovation, and the media's role in society. Attendees learn about press freedom and journalistic integrity while networking with peers and mentors. The conference empowers young journalists to become informed advocates for responsible journalism.
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Program Length: One week
Cost: $699
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Start Date: June 23
Application Deadline: April 1
Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism is a week-long program curated for high school students to gain lifelong experience. Students have the opportunity to choose between three specialized tracks: digital journalism, broadcast journalism, and sports media.
Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge media technologies, participants acquire practical skills and knowledge while exploring their specific areas of interest.
Location: Gainesville, FL
Program Length: One week
Cost: $850
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: June 2
Application Deadline: March 15
The College of Journalism and Communications of the University of Florida offers an intensive media workshop for high school students interested in journalism. The students have seven days to learn, and throughout the period, they have access to the university's facilities. Various specifications include anchoring, broadcast reporting, news writing, and filmmaking.
Location: Hamden, CT
Program Length: One week
Cost: $500–$1,499
Eligibility: Grade 15–18
Start Date: July
Application Deadline: TBD
Quinnipiac University offers summer sports journalism for students aspiring to work as a journalist in sports media, reporting, commentating, and broadcasting. During the one-week program, the students will learn how to create stories and practice interviewing professional athletes.
Location: Bloomington, IN
Program Length: Five days
Cost: $515
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: July 8
Application Deadline: TBD
The High School Journalism Institute at Indiana University is a summer program specifically for skill development for students who are journalists. The workshops are designed so that these students can connect with journalism professionals and award-winning advisers. Small-group classes, large-group lectures, and other activities will be held during the five days.
Location: Fairfax, VA
Program Length: One week
Cost: $2,500
Eligibility: Grades 10 and 11
Start Date: July 7 or July 14
Application Deadline: TBD
The Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University offers high school students a hands-on learning experience about journalism. Students interact with award-winning journalists and international media outlets.
Location: Athens, OH
Program Length: Five days
Cost: $400
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 years and older
Start Date: July 7
Application Deadline: June 21
The High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University is a five-day workshop that gives students who are aspiring journalists the opportunity to choose from different tracks. The tracks available include magazines, broadcasts, and podcasting.
Location: New York, NY
Program Length: Three weeks
Cost: $3,425
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: July 21
Application Deadline: TBD
The film academy in New York offers high school students who are aspiring journalists a three-week broadcast journalism camp. Towards the end of the program, the students will become news producers and work on final projects together. The training covers all aspects of broadcasting that will be useful for them after school.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Program Length: Five days
Cost: $1,500
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: TBD
Application Deadline: TBD
The GRAMMY Camp—Music Journalism Track at USC Thornton School of Music offers a five-day camp for students interested in the music industry who specialize in music journalism. During the camp, students learn how to write effectively and use communication techniques across various forms of media.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Program Length: Four weeks
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: June 17
Application Deadline: TBD
This four-week program is offered by USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. During various sessions, the students will be taught, exposing them to media industries and enabling them to develop their skill sets. The program aims to expose the students to the resources and career paths that are easily available to them.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Program Length: Two weeks
Cost: $4,998
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: June 23
Application Deadline: TBD
The University of California is one of the five colleges that offer courses related to journalism, such as communication and English. The school offers high school students a two-week program to teach them about various aspects of journalism. The students will choose a topic and engage it with creative, dynamic instructors and professional experts.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Program Length: Four days
Cost: $450 (Early), $550 (Regular)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
Start Date: July 8
Application Deadline: TBD
Media Now is an organization that helps high school students who are aspiring journalists gain experience in the journalism field. Students engage in editing, photography, and broadcasting during the four-day program.
Location: Iowa City, IA
Program Length: Five days
Cost: $395–$595
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: July 14
Application Deadline: TBD
The University of Iowa is one of the world's most prestigious writing universities, which can give high school students an exciting summer experience. The program will allow you to sharpen your skills through your expert instructors. You can choose from different tracks, including advanced graphic design, investigative reporting, personal writing, photojournalism, and publication leadership.
Do you still have questions about high school summer journalism programs? Below are some frequently asked ones with their answers:
Participating in these programs offers students a chance to showcase their commitment to the field, gain valuable skills and experience, build a professional network, and produce portfolio-worthy work such as articles or multimedia projects.
They allow students to explore specializations, demonstrate leadership qualities, and potentially receive strong letters of recommendation from industry professionals.
Yes, some summer programs do incorporate visits to newsrooms and media outlets. During these visits, students often participate in interactive exercises like mock press conferences, newsroom simulations, and direct observation of media operations.
These activities are essential components of summer journalism workshops, offering students valuable hands-on experience that deepens their understanding of the journalist's role, its challenges, and responsibilities.
Students can look forward to honing their interviewing skills to create compelling interviews, mastering accurate news reporting and concise writing, and developing their fact-checking skills.
Participants will also delve into multimedia storytelling and learn how to weave visuals, videos, and interactive elements into their stories to captivate their audience.
Attending journalism summer programs can be a truly transformative experience, particularly if you're passionate about pursuing a career in the field. To make the most of your workshop, actively participate in class discussions, ask insightful questions, and seek valuable feedback.
Take advantage of networking opportunities with industry professionals and fellow aspiring journalists. Make sure to also utilize all available resources during the program. Whether you're an aspiring journalist or aiming to advance your career in the field, a pre-college summer program provides essential tools and knowledge for success.
