9 Best Journalism Internships for High School Students

Embarking on a career in journalism? One effective way to kick start your journey is by participating in journalism internships while still in high school.

Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience, a peek into the industry dynamics, and a chance to network with professionals. We are now going to explore some of the top programs that offer journalism internships for high school students.

• Experience The New York Times Program: This prestigious internship offers a unique insight into modern journalism.
• Wall Street Journal Internship: Known for its economic and business focus, this internship is perfect for budding financial journalists.
• Understand Washington Post Internship: The versatile nature of this program caters to anyone with an interest in news reporting.
• The Boston Herald Internship: A great opportunity for those interested in local news and community storytelling.
• NPR High School Internship Experience: This internship offers an immersive look into radio journalism and audio content production.

These high school journalism internships provide a unique opportunity for students to nurture their interests and gain exposure to real-world journalistic practices.

A Peek into Journalism Internships

The internships listed above are not only renowned but also diverse in their offerings.

Suitable for various interests within the field of journalism, these programs provide a platform for students to learn and grow professionally.

In addition, these experiences can significantly enhance a student’s college application and future job prospects.

This makes securing a spot in these journalism internships during high school a goal worth striving for any aspiring journalist.

1. Highlights of The New York Times Program

Imagine an exciting ride at the peak of Manhattan, creating a thrilling experience that copies real-life scenarios.

This internship offers opportunities to explore less crowded, inviting spots for local exploration – perfect for a late summer trip.

1. You’ll immerse into stories worth millions, taking inspiration from homes as far as Santiago, Chile.
2. You will gain insights on the changing dynamics of media consumption – even individuals working in TV find it a task to keep up.
3. You’ll delve into analysis surrounding events that keep the nation’s top figures, like Trump, in constant speculation.

The program prompts you to consider how global happenings – climate change included – are shifting paradigms in large-scale events such as the Olympics.

Take a terrifying leap into literature, reviewing new horror novels filled with ghosts, monsters and other terrors.

You’ll explore how microbrands uphold their uniqueness whilst attaining triumph in saturated markets.

4. Keep up with trends, examining sport watches made specifically for competition.
5. Analyze merchandising strategies, asking who is buying all that Billy Joel merch?
6. You’ll observe government solutions, particularly in California’s approach towards homeless encampments.

Familiarize yourself with predictions suggesting 2025 as a great time economically to be President.

Dive into unravelling Rupert Murdoch’s strategy in his media empire run.

Last but not least, gain new insights into how figures like Donald Trump rise to the top.

2. Features of Wall Street Journal Internship

The Wall Street Journal internship offers unique advantages. It’s an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in journalism.

Long-standing reputation and broad readership make this program a fantastic stepping stone. By joining, you’ll be part of a globally recognized institution.

• Real-world journalism experience: Work directly with accomplished journalists and editors.
• Diverse learning opportunities: Interns gain knowledge about different aspects of the industry.
• Networking possibilities: Connect with professionals thriving in their respective fields.
• Potential job prospects: Many interns secure job offers post-internship.

Beyond these benefits, the program is well-structured, providing thorough exposure to different facets of journalism. It’s designed in a way to foster individual growth and development.

The practical experience gained here is invaluable. Students are encouraged to bring new ideas to the table, challenging normative journalism practices.

The Wall Street Journal internship represents a launch pad for future careers in journalism. With its eclectic learning environment, it gives interns ample room to grow and explore.

3. Benefits of Washington Post Internship

The Washington Post Internship offers a robust platform for skill enhancement. Interns can refine their abilities in various domains, including reporting, photography, design, and videography.

Your work as an intern gets significant exposure as it is displayed across all platforms of this well-respected publication.

A Pathway to Career Success

This internship program signifies opportunities for career progression. Numerous interns have flourished in their careers at The Post after their internship.

For instance, Krissah Thompson elevated from an intern to the managing editor of diversity and inclusion. Leonard Downie Jr., a 1964 intern, became an executive editor.

Adequate Financial Compensation

The internship program not only accelerates career growth but also ensures competitive compensation. For the upcoming 2024 program, interns will receive $1,000 per week.

Earning College Credit

Besides financial rewards, interns probably gather academic credit through their professional experience. This is based on the eligibility criteria, which includes being a college junior, senior or enrolled in a degree program by the application deadline.

Building a Professional Network

This internship provides experience akin to regular staff members. Interns get ample opportunities for networking within the industry while performing their duties like article writing, editing copy, and creating graphics.

This professional network could be instrumental in securing future job opportunities.

Assistance with Housing

The Washington Post offers support to secure suitable accommodation for interns. Although The Post doesn’t directly offer housing facilities, they provide resources to assist in your housing search.

All these perks make the Washington Post’s internship program an exciting opportunity for professional and personal growth.

4. Details about The Boston Herald Internship

The Boston Herald Internship is a unique opportunity for aspiring journalists.

This internship offers an invaluable glimpse into the world of professional journalism.

Unfortunately, specific details about the program are not readily available on their website.

Despite this, it’s fair to speculate on what an internship here might involve.

The daily tasks at any newspaper involve a variety of challenges.

You may find yourself interviewing sources, researching stories, or drafting articles.

All these activities provide critical experience in the field of journalism.

However, the lack of direct information makes it hard to detail out the specifics of the program.

I recommend reaching out directly to the Boston Herald for more detailed information.

Contacting them can provide clarity and answer your potential queries regarding the internship.

This could be an informative and enlightening process in itself.

Bear in mind that being proactive might set you apart from other applicants!

5. NPR High School Internship Experience

NPR has currently suspended its 2024 summer internship program and is looking forward to resuming it soon.

Internships at NPR are viewed as valuable learning experiences, extending across various departments including the news, music, communications, and engineering divisions.

Intern Role and Responsibilities

The interns’ roles are diverse and integral to the organization’s operation. Their duties range from researching news sources, supporting audio production, editing web content, playing an active part in brainstorming sessions, to participating in social media engagement and digital graphics creation.

Eligibility Criteria

NPR’s internships cater mainly to college students or those who have graduated within the past year as high school students are not eligible.

Candidates need to be enrolled in an accredited degree program or must have completed their studies no more than a year ago.

Different internship roles may require additional application materials such as a cover letter, writing samples, or design portfolios.

Work Availability and Compensation

Interns should have legal work rights in the U.S. and for those in remote-friendly internships, they need to reside within the country during the internship period.

NPR offers internships biannually: a 12-week summer semester and a 28-week fall/winter semester. The opportunities can be onsite, entirely remote, or hybrid depending on team setups.

The hourly compensation for all interns is $18.50. It’s worth noting that NPR does not provide for transportation or housing.

6. Overview of CNN Journalism Internship

The CNN Journalism Internship is a great opportunity for those interested in international issues and digital media landscape.

Interns at CNN’s London Bureau learn from experienced journalists, contributing to news reaching over 475 million homes worldwide.

This internship is open to all backgrounds and gender, reflecting CNN’s commitment to diversity both in its content and workforce.

The program runs from September-February and March-August, with applications opening up twice a year in December and June.

The CNN intern will have the chance to delve into various areas of journalism such as research, fact-checking, and attending editorial meetings.

7. Exploring USA Today Internship Opportunities

USA Today offers a unique crossword internship. It immerses interns in a world where learning from puzzles is a daily routine.

A sneak peek at some of the elements you may encounter include:

• ALOE: You’ll learn about its importance in Ayurveda, an ancient healing science.
• FLASH: This term is widely used in the field of photography.
• GOODBYE: Expand your language skills by learning ‘farewell’ in multiple languages.
• MASP: Get to know about various places like Congonhas-São Paulo Airport in Brazil.

This internship not only enhances your puzzle-solving skills but also enriches your general knowledge.

An additional advantage of this internship is that it allows you to understand broader dimensions, like:

• SERF: An intriguing insight into history with terms like this, related to feudal farm labourers.
• ZONE: Absorb concepts such as the mental state associated with intense concentration.
• ZULU: Learn about various languages spoken around the world, like Zulu in South Africa.
• NIM: Participating in games can be educational and fun, for instance – ‘NIM’

This opportunity with USA Today has plenty to offer for all puzzle enthusiasts and even those with a thirst for knowledge.

8. NBC News Summer High School Internship

What is the NBC News Summer High School Internship?

The NBC News Summer High School Internship offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the field of journalism.

This program is similar to Future Focused Education’s initiative in New Mexico, dubbed X3, which pays its interns and helps them pave their professional paths.

What can you expect from this internship?

Interns can anticipate a structured program where they’ll learn the inner workings of broadcast journalism, including reporting, production, and behind-the-scenes operations.

Notably, the support and guidance from seasoned journalists offer interns an invaluable look into this dynamic industry.

Who is eligible for this internship?

The program is open to all high school students with a passion for journalism. Whether you’re a novice or have some experience, this opportunity could be a beneficial stepping stone.

Besides demonstrating an interest in journalism, applicants must also show promise and commitment to their personal growth and development.

How can you apply for the NBC News Summer High School Internship?

To apply, students must submit an online application outlining their experiences and interests. They may also need to provide references or work samples.

Remember, these internships are competitive, so it’s crucial to put your best foot forward in your application!

What are the benefits of participating in this internship?

The benefits are multifold. For one, interns receive firsthand experience working at a premier news organization.

Apart from learning from experienced professionals, they also build essential skills and form industry connections that could serve them well in their future careers.

Lastly, being a paid internship, students can also earn while they learn, making it an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in journalism.

9. Insights into Reuters Editorial Internship

Reuters offers a unique internship opportunity for aspiring journalists. You will be trained alongside some of the most experienced reporters and editors in the media industry.

The internship grants firsthand reporting experience, allowing interns to cover various stories across different platforms. It’s an opportunity to test your journalism skills in real-world scenarios.

This immersive 10-week program commences in early June, providing essential industry exposure over North America’s summer season.

“The Reuters North America internship provides a rich hands-on experience, equipping interns with valuable skills and insights at one of the world’s largest news agencies.”

As part of your training, you will learn about value stream mapping as well as how to conduct kaizen events. These strategies are crucial tools for continuous improvement within the media sector.

Moreover, you are expected to research and refine standard operating procedures. This includes improving areas such as productivity & cost control and safety & quality control.

This combination of technical skill development and practical application makes the Reuters Editorial Internship an enriching experience for keen journalism students.

Empowering Future Journalists

High school students seeking a start in journalism have nine exceptional internships to consider. These opportunities, designed specifically for aspiring journalists, offer valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. They include placements at top media houses such as The New York Times, CNN, and NBC. Students can capitalize on these internships to gain essential skills and experience for a successful career in journalism.

Primary Responsibilities	Skills Required	Internships Available
Research & Fact-checking	Detail-oriented & Strong writing skills	The Newsdesk & Digital Video Internship
Transcribing footage & Assisting on shoots	Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment	Video Development Group & CNNi Productions
Sourcing images and footage & Attending planning meetings	Confidence to pitch story ideas	Digital Sport Video Internship
Contributing story and show ideas	–	–
–	–	–
Visit the early careers page at Warner Bros. Discovery for application.