High school is a time when new interests emerge, and you become more curious about the world around you. You might find yourself asking how stories shape the world, why they matter, and how they make such a strong impact around us. Classroom education can introduce you to writing and media, and journalism internships for high school students offer practical exposure that helps turn curiosity into real-world experience. Through these opportunities, you can sharpen your skills, deepen your understanding of the field, and grow confident in your unique voice.

Imagine pitching story ideas, conducting interviews, or getting your work published and read by a real audience. You could have the opportunity to learn ethical reporting, write compelling articles, or work with multimedia tools while receiving guidance from experienced journalists. These experiences not only provide exposure but also help you understand what a typical day in the profession looks like.

Even if you’re not ready to pursue journalism as a future career, an internship still holds value. You’ll develop transferable skills including research communication, critical thinking, and storytelling. You’ll learn how media shapes public opinion and why responsible reporting matters. These skills extend well beyond journalism alone.

What kinds of journalism internships are available for high school students?

Finding a good, meaningful internship opportunity in journalism is not easy; some programs may appear extraordinary but offer limited hands-on work, while others might not offer proper mentorship. When you’re already investing your time, efforts, and money, choosing the right internship really matters.

Many universities, media organizations, and institutions offer journalism internships and summer programs suitable for high school students. These opportunities focus on reporting, writing, media ethics, digital journalism, and more. You’ll learn from professionals, participate in practical assignments, collaborate with peers, and gain insight into how journalism works in the real world.

You can also have a look at summer writing programs for high school students that could prepare you for future journalism internships.

To help you get started, we’ve prepared a list of 15 Journalism Internships for High School Students. These internship programs are included for their hands-on learning, mentorship opportunities, and strong reputations, making them a great start for anyone interested in media and storytelling.

15 Journalism Internships for High School Students

1. Asian American Journalists Association’s JCamp Summer Program

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 20-26
Application Deadline: January 11th
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; international students welcome 

AAJA’s JCamp Summer Program offers a six-day training experience to culturally diverse students. The program curriculum focuses on fundamentals of leadership, cross-cultural communication, strong ethics in journalism, the importance of diversity in newsrooms and media coverage, meaningful connections, and developing self-confidence. You’ll gain knowledge from veteran journalists and top media executives, produce multiplatform news packages for JCamp Live, and attend interactive workshops.

Along with sharpening your skills in Journalism, you’ll also have the opportunity to go on field trips and work on personal growth through different social interactions. If you’re a high school student interested in learning about broadcasting, photojournalism, newspaper, magazine, and online media, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn journalism and leadership skills from industry professionals while creating real multiplatform news stories.

2. Immerse Education’s Media and Journalism Summer School

Location: London and New York
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 15-18; international students welcome

Immerse Education’s Media and Journalism Summer School offers an enriching experience to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about media ethics, reporting techniques, and digital journalism. The program is led by journalists and industry experts from reputed institutions and allows you to participate in collaborative projects, interactive discussions, and develop an in-depth understanding of modern journalism.

You’ll explore the fundamental concepts in journalism, including news writing and investigative reporting. You’ll work on real-world challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and prepare yourself for academic success. You’ll also receive a recognized certificate on the completion of the program.

Why it stands out: It will help you build strong journalism skills through expert-led sessions, real-world projects, and modern media practices.

3. Pre-University Honours Programme: Media, Journalism & Society

Location: University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost: Academic: €1675; Housing: €800
Dates: Academic: July 28th – August 6th; Housing: July 27th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 15th
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16+; international students welcome 

Pre-University Honours Programme: Media, Journalism & Society offers a two-week experience to understand the foundations of journalism. You’ll develop critical thinking, understand the role and impact of journalism on society, and gain insights about journalism in terms of democracies. You’ll participate in journalism exercises, writing assignments, engaging workshops, and learn important theories and moral issues in journalism.

You’ll attend lectures, develop critical thinking and communication skills, and experience learning in a supportive environment. You’ll also learn interviewing techniques, analyses of news articles, editing, reporting, and writing with a unique voice, and the difference between facts and fiction. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present original pieces of journalism created during the program.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore the impact of journalism on society while building reporting, writing, and critical thinking skills through hands-on practice.

4. Young Reporter Short Course

Location: United Kingdom
Cost: Minimal.
Dates: January through April
Application Deadline: January 31st (tentative)
Eligibility: School years 10-13; international students are welcome to apply

Young Reporter Short Course offers a real-world journalism experience through article writing. You’ll participate in hands-on activities in the media industry, write for a real newspaper, and collaborate with industry professionals. You’ll attend an introductory lecture, gain insights about news reporting, and develop your unique creative voice.

You’ll have the opportunity to get your work published with the Newsquest Media Group and build a strong portfolio. The program offers a Short Course Star Award (a national competition) to one student as the program concludes. You’ll also receive a letter of recognition for your work on meeting deadlines.

Why it stands out: You’ll write real articles for a newspaper, work with media professionals, and build a published journalism portfolio.

5. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)

Location: Virtual and Princeton Campus
Cost: Free
Dates: Late June through Early August
Application Deadline: January 26th
Eligibility: High school juniors interested in journalism with a minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA belonging to low-income families who are US or Puerto Rico residents

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program offers a year-long college preparation experience and is one of the most academically focused journalism internships for high school students. You’ll participate in online workshops, attend lectures by renowned journalists, complete weekly reading assignments, and work on your own reporting projects. The program also assigns you a dedicated college counselor who supports your university applications throughout the year.

You’ll visit major news organizations, including The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Huffington Post. You’ll witness the work of journalists from up-close and participate in a range of activities, including covering news events in the Princeton area, producing digital content, conducting an investigative report, authoring a group blog, and more.

Why it stands out: It will prepare you for college journalism through hands-on reporting, expert mentorship, and real newsroom exposure.

6. Nottingham Trent University – Journalism for 15 – 17 Year Olds

Location: Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Cost: £545
Dates: July 20-24; July 27-31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 15-17 interested in current affairs, writing, and research; international students welcome

Nottingham Trent University- Journalism for 15-17 Year Olds introduces you to a craft of journalism beyond classroom sessions. You’ll learn to research stories and develop a range of skills in newsgathering, including writing, editing, and interviewing. You’ll understand the journey of a story from an idea to publication, choose and learn about a journalism area from a range of options, including fashion, photography, politics, arts and culture, sports, news, music, and more.

You’ll learn from industry professionals, interact with like-minded people, and build a strong work portfolio. The program will allow the development of a range of skills, including teamwork, communication, planning, and problem-solving. You’ll also receive a certificate of attendance on successful completion of the program.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore multiple journalism areas and turn your ideas into published-style work with professional support.

7. NYU Urban Journalism Workshop

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: July 13-19 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 8th
Eligibility: High school students in the tri-state area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey), age 16+ 

The NYU Urban Journalism Workshop offers you a hands-on learning experience from NYU faculty. You’ll live in one of the NYU dorms, and work on stories and have them published on the program’s website, “The Spectrum.”

You’ll visit some of the well-known newsrooms of New York and interact with top journalists. The program will also allow you to gain college admission insights from NYU admission counselors. Many program alumni have worked at major newspapers, online publications, radio, magazines, and on TV.

Why it stands out: It will give you hands-on newsroom experience by reporting real stories, getting them published, and learning directly from NYU faculty and journalists

8. The Times Summer Academy

Location: News UK offices, London, UK
Cost: £650
Dates: July 21-25 and August 4-8
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Students aged 18+; international students welcome 

The Times Summer Academy offers two-week-long courses introducing you to the world of journalism. You’ll go on newsroom and studio tours and experience award-winning journalism work from up-close. You’ll learn about a range of journalism-related concepts, including broadcast journalism, story sourcing, journalism ethics, photography, news and feature writing, and many more.

The program aims to help young people from underrepresented backgrounds explore journalism pathways. If you’re interested in a journalism program that offers an informative, practical, and supportive learning experience, then this could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore real newsroom journalism through hands-on learning, expert guidance, and behind-the-scenes media experiences

9. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop

Location: In-person: Columbia University, NY & Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type. more information here
Dates: Vary by program types. More information available here
Application Deadline: Residential: May 21st; Commuter: June 1st; Online:  June 30th
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12); international students welcome

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop offers virtual and in-person sessions to high school students and publication staff. You’ll participate in workshops covering varying topics, including editorial leadership, design, broadcast journalism, reporting, writing, and digital media.

There are residential as well as commuter options available for the workshops. Along with learning about journalism, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities, gain gym access, go on media visits, and attend an evening at a Broadway show. 

Why it stands out: You’ll sharpen your journalism and editorial skills through hands-on workshops, media visits, and immersive campus experiences.

10. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

Location: Boston University College of Communication, Boston, MA, and Virtual
Cost/Stipend: To Be Announced
Dates: To Be Announced
Application Deadline: TBA; Applications open in December
Eligibility: On-campus: High School students, rising juniors, rising seniors, and current seniors, with journalism experience; Virtual: High School students ages 14-18; international students welcome

Boston University Summer Journalism Academy offers a hands-on experience to high school students interested in journalism, writing, or photography. You’ll learn from working journalists, work on reporting assignments, and gain real-world experience.

Some of the necessary materials required for the program include a textbook, a computer for video conferencing, and a phone to conduct interviews with sources and story subjects. If you’re a high school student interested in learning journalism from industry professionals, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It will give you hands-on reporting experience by working on real assignments, conducting interviews, and learning directly from professional journalists.

11. Florida International University’s Journalism Jumpstart Program

Location: Florida International University, North Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23rd – July 3rd
Application Deadline: June 13th
Eligibility: High school and Middle school students interested in media and journalism who are residents of Miami-Dade and Broward counties

Florida International University’s Journalism Jumpstart Program offers you an opportunity to connect and collaborate with media professionals and instructors. You’ll write a story based on themes provided to you, work on news feature articles, a short multimedia package, and a graphic.

You’ll engage in a range of activities, including writing, research, conducting interviews, and more. The program was founded by Dr. Karla Kennedy, a former Miami-Dade County Public Schools student media adviser and journalism instructor.

Why it stands out: You’ll collaborate with media professionals to create real journalism pieces, from written stories to multimedia content.

12. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Journalism Program

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,495
Dates: July 8-16; July 20-28
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students; international students welcome 

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Journalism Program allows you to explore the impact of powerful storytelling. You’ll participate in experiential simulations, work in a media team, and engage in a range of activities, including story investigation, writing scripts, and producing on-air segments.

You’ll gain journalism insights through interactions with guest speakers, go on field trips to understand the behind-the-scenes of the industry, and develop a range of leadership skills through workshops, including resilience, communication, empathy, and more. If you’re interested in learning essential methods of researching, interviewing, and fact-checking, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It will immerse you in real-world journalism through simulations, media teamwork, and hands-on storytelling projects.

13. Summer Journalism at New York University

Location: New York, NY
Cost: $7,664
Dates: Session 1: May 18th – June 30th; Session 2: July 1st – August 12th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; international students welcome 

Summer Journalism at New York University offers you a six-week real-world journalism experience. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of courses, including photojournalism, reporting New York Stories, covering news on YouTube, audio and video journalism, food writing and reporting, and more.

You’ll listen to guest speakers, go on field trips, write assignments, and develop practical skills to communicate your ideas. The program allows you to gain hands-on experience and build a strong creative portfolio for yourself.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on journalism experience by exploring diverse media formats while building a strong, publishable portfolio.

14. UGA Summer Media Academy 

Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: Day Camp - $530; Residential Camp - $1255
Dates: Multiple week-long camps in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 13-17; international students welcome

UGA Summer Media Academy offers weeklong in-person camps while promoting the understanding and practice of journalism. You’ll explore a range of subject areas, including multimedia Journalism, advertising and public relations, entertainment and media studies, and broadcast journalism.

You’ll participate in engaging activities led by instructors, listen to guest speakers, and work on specialized projects. Through different courses, you’ll develop a range of skills in journalism, including creative problem solving, decision making, effective communication, technical skills in report writing, and more.

Why it stands out: It will help you explore multiple media fields while building practical journalism and communication skills through hands-on projects.

15. Indiana University High School Journalism Institute

Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost/Stipend: $585; For commuters: $395
Dates: July 6-10; July 12-16
Application Deadline: June 15th
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen; international students welcome

Indiana University High School Journalism Institute offers a five-day immersive journalism experience for high school students. You’ll attend workshops, interact with journalism professionals, student journalists, and award-winning advisors.

You’ll participate in small group classes, attend group lectures, and receive individualized instruction. The program will allow you to attend workshops on a range of journalism areas, including documentary filmmaking, editing, sports reporting, and more. Along with gaining insights about journalism, you’ll also attend evening activities with like-minded people and produce engaging work.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain immersive journalism training through expert-led workshops, small classes, and hands-on storytelling projects.

From Pitch to Published Byline

Journalism comes alive when you move from curiosity to creation, learning how research, ethics, and storytelling work together to inform audiences and shape public understanding.

Through these journalism internships for high school students, you step beyond the classroom and into real media environments, where interviews, deadlines, and editorial feedback turn interest into practical experience.

As you pitch ideas and refine your writing, you build transferable skills like critical thinking, clear communication, and ethical judgment that extend far beyond journalism itself.

To explore journalism and other possible pathways, visit our Career Exploration blogs for insight into careers, skills, and decisions that can help you plan your next steps with confidence.