12 Paid Journalism Internships for High School Students
Paid journalism internships for high school students provide an incredible opportunity to gain practical experience, develop writing and communication skills, and build valuable connections in the media industry. These internships offer hands-on exposure to news reporting, content creation, and digital media, giving you a head start in pursuing a career in journalism. Additionally, paid journalism internships for high school students are particularly beneficial as they compensate you for your time and effort, making them a financially accessible option for young aspiring journalists.
If you are a high school student interested in journalism, communications, or media studies you can enhance your resume, strengthen college applications, and gain real-world industry insights through these programs. A variety of opportunities from top colleges, news organizations, and digital platforms offer various opportunities for in-person and virtual internships, allowing you to learn from experienced journalists and industry leaders.
To help you find the best opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of the top 12 paid journalism internships for high school students. This includes selective programs that offer mentorship and hands-on projects and are hosted by reputable organizations.
1. L.A. Times High School Insider Internship
Location: Los Angeles (for local residents) / Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Stipend: $16.90/hour
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: High school students across all grades residing in Los Angeles County or Orange County, California; should be able to commit to working in the El Segundo office. Must be eligible to work in the United States.
The L.A. Times High School Insider Internship offers students the chance to explore journalism and gain hands-on experience in breaking news, multimedia storytelling, and crafting engaging stories. Designed to teach core journalism fundamentals and multimedia skills, this internship provides you with valuable exposure to a professional newsroom environment. You will receive mentorship from leading journalists at the L.A. Times and attend training sessions and workshops.
During the 6-week program, you will work closely with your mentors to develop and report stories, exploring topics on current events, education, and arts and entertainment. This internship is only open to those residing in Los Angeles County or Orange County, California, and who can commit to working in the El Segundo office.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (Financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The summer cohort starts on June 2
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; April 13 for regular admission into the summer cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective virtual internship designed for ambitious high school students looking to gain hands-on experience by working with high-growth start-ups. As an intern, you will collaborate with companies across a variety of industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. These start-ups are known for their rapid growth, with many having raised over a million dollars in funding.
During the 8-week virtual internship, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, gaining practical industry skills. You will also get to present your work to the company at the end of your internship. The program is remote, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world while developing a global professional network. Financial aid is available, making this opportunity accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
3. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Hybrid (Virtual + Princeton Campus)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 40 students per session.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Online classes: July 1 – 24; Residential experience: July 24 – August 3
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High-achieving high school juniors from low-income families with minimum unweighted GPA equivalent to a 3.5 out of 4.0; more details here
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is one of the top paid journalism internships for high school students that offers high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds an immersive work-based learning experience in journalism and political reporting. This year-long hybrid program includes a free residential summer session at Princeton University, followed by online college preparation activities throughout the year. The program focuses on developing practical journalism skills through hands-on workshops, reporting assignments, and mentorship from industry professionals.
Work-based learning is at the core of the curriculum, with sessions covering Reporting 101, Feature Writing, Food Journalism, and Using Social Media to Inform Reporting. You will interview sources, write news and feature stories, and learn to cover sensitive topics such as race, politics, and social issues, along with major beats like business, economics, and environmental reporting. The program emphasizes real-world journalism experience, culminating in the publication of student stories in the annual Princeton Summer Journal, giving you a professional byline before college.
4. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop
Location: In-person (Columbia University, NY) & Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Cost:
Residential (in-person): $2,199
Commuter (in-person): $1,399
Virtual: $999
Need-based scholarships available
Program Dates:
In-person: June 22 – 27
Virtual: July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18; July 21 – 28
Application Deadline: Rolling till seats are filled
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12). Junior high or middle school students are not eligible
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Summer Journalism Workshop offers high school students an immersive learning experience in reporting, writing, editorial leadership, design, and digital media. Hosted by Columbia University, this prestigious workshop provides both in-person and virtual options.
The CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop includes a week-long, in-person session on Columbia’s campus in June, as well as three distinct virtual sessions in July. As a participant, you will be a part of hands-on learning led by experienced journalists and educators, gaining practical skills in storytelling, leadership, and publication design. The workshop emphasizes real-world journalism practices, making it an ideal space to hone your journalistic abilities and leadership skills. As part of the workshop, you will also have access to Greenman Leadership Grants, funded by the Reckson Foundation, to support your participation.
5. City Limits’ CLARIFY Program
Location: CUNY Brooklyn or CUNY York College campuses
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Stipend: $1,000
Program Dates: Two cohorts: Summer (May) and Fall (September)
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors (recent high school graduates are also eligible), who reside in New York
The CLARIFY Program by City Limits, New York City’s oldest nonprofit investigative news agency, empowers high school students to develop essential public service journalism skills. You will get to learn research methods, interviewing techniques, investigative reporting, media ethics, and photojournalism. Through hands-on reporting, you will collaborate with City Limits to cover locally focused stories on significant issues affecting New York City, with a special emphasis on underrepresented communities.
A unique feature of CLARIFY is its two cohort options: an English-Language Cohort and a Bilingual Cohort for Spanish and English speakers. Past participants have covered powerful topics such as the New York housing crisis, press freedom, and workers' strikes, gaining real-world journalism experience while making a positive community impact. This program is ideal for students interested in investigative journalism and social justice reporting.
6. AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective; only 51 high school juniors accepted
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes a $1,000 scholarship
Program Dates: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: 11th graders with an interest in journalism and free expression; 3 published or unpublished journalistic samples + 2 letters of recommendation required
The AI Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is a 5-day program that celebrates press freedom and journalistic excellence. Hosted in Washington, D.C., the program includes workshops, discussions, and mentorship from industry professionals, focusing on journalism ethics and the media’s role in society.
As a participant, you will build lifelong connections with 50 fellow students from across the country and professionals who share similar passions. You will also gain ongoing support from a network of over 1,500 program alumni working at prestigious organizations such as Apple, ABC News, Amazon, The Wall Street Journal, and innovative startups like the digital news site The Juggernaut.
7. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Journalism Program
Location: American University, Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost: $4,295. Need and merit-based scholarships available
Program Dates:
June 12 – June 20
June 24 – July 2
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students interested in journalism and media
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Journalism Program is one of the top paid journalism internships for high school students that provides high school students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience in broadcasting, newswriting, and investigative reporting. Held at American University in Washington, D.C., this program allows you to explore different journalism tracks, including broadcast journalism, entertainment journalism, and newswriting and investigative reporting.
You will participate in interactive workshops and lectures on branding, investigating, interviewing, reporting, and pitching, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the news production cycle. The program includes trips and tours, as well as interactions with renowned guest speakers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and reporters from prestigious news organizations like The Washington Post and ESPN. This work-based learning experience provides valuable industry insights and prepares students for future careers in journalism and media.
8. Harvard Crimson’s Summer Crimson Internship Program
Location: 14 Plympton Street, Cambridge, MA
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Free
Program Dates: TBD
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students interested in journalism or publishing
The Harvard Crimson’s Summer Crimson Internship Program offers high school students an exclusive opportunity to gain hands-on experience in journalism and the business of publishing. As Harvard University’s daily college newspaper, The Harvard Crimson is one of the most prestigious student-run publications in the country, providing you with a unique learning environment steeped in journalistic tradition.
You can choose to work in the newsroom or the business department, learning directly from experienced editors and staff. In the newsroom, you will develop reporting, writing, and editing skills, working on real stories that contribute to the newspaper’s publication. Those in the business department gain exposure to advertising, marketing strategies, and the financial operations of running a reputable newspaper.
9. AAJA’s JCamp Summer Program
Location: Austin, TX
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective. Only 30 students accepted
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 6 days; specific dates not mentioned
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors interested in journalism and media
The AAJA’s JCamp Summer Program is for culturally diverse high school students interested in journalism and media. While not one of the most traditional paid journalism internships for high school students, the program offers hands-on training sessions and interactive workshops led by reputable journalists and media executives. The curriculum focuses on communication, ethics, self-confidence, diversity, leadership, and networking.
You will produce multimedia news stories across various platforms, including broadcasting, magazines, newspapers, online media, and photojournalism. These stories are then published on JCamp Live, providing you with a professional byline and real-world journalism experience. The program also includes field trips and interactive sessions, offering practical insights into the media industry.
10. Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 84 students accepted each year
Cost: $5,000. Need-based aid and scholarships available
Program Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in journalism and media
The Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute offers rising high school seniors an intensive, hands-on journalism experience at Northwestern University’s campus in Evanston, IL. This four-week program provides you with the opportunity to learn from accomplished journalists and university professors, gaining practical skills in reporting, writing, editing, and digital media creation.
You will explore various media reporting types, including print, digital, and broadcast journalism, developing a well-rounded understanding of modern journalism practices. You will be assigned a specific instructor as a mentor, ensuring personalized guidance and support throughout the program. The curriculum encourages you to experiment with storytelling techniques, using high-quality equipment to independently create a professional body of work.
11. Summer Media Academy at the University of Georgia
Location: Grady College of Journalism, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 20 students per camp week
Cost: $530 (Commuter) and $1,255 (Residential). Limited need-based financial aid available
Program Dates:
Advertising and Public Relations: June 9 – 13
Broadcast Journalism: June 9 – 13
Entertainment and Media Studies: June 16 – 20
Multimedia Journalism: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Students aged 13-17 interested in media, journalism, and storytelling
The Summer Media Academy at the Grady College of Journalism, University of Georgia offers week-long immersive camps designed for students passionate about media, communication, and storytelling. Hosted on the University of Georgia’s campus in Athens, the academy provides four specialized tracks, allowing you to explore your interests in media while developing practical skills.
You can choose from the following program options:
Advertising and Public Relations: Learn how to reach target audiences and design effective campaigns for nonprofits
Broadcast Journalism: Gain hands-on experience in researching, interviewing, reporting, videography, and video editing
Entertainment and Media Studies: Focus on content production, including screenwriting, digital editing, and visual storytelling
Multimedia Journalism: Develop skills in interviewing, multimedia reporting, writing, editing, and producing comprehensive news stories
Each camp is led by professional university faculty, featuring interactive workshops, activities, and guest speakers from the media industry. You will work on specialized projects in your chosen track.
12. NYC Summer Academy at the School of The New York Times
Location: The School of The New York Times, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: $5,935 (Day Students) and $7,265 (Residential Students). Merit and need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week terms available. Check here
Application Deadline: March 26
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12; at least 15 years old
The NYC Summer Academy at the School of The New York Times provides high school students with an immersive journalism and storytelling experience in the heart of New York City. This program allows you to work on real stories while learning from editors, reporters, and industry experts at one of the most prestigious news organizations in the world.
Available topics include podcasting and video storytelling, photojournalism, tech writing, playwriting, immigration reporting, free speech, opinion writing, political commentary, public policy and activism, sports storytelling, editing, fashion reporting, investigative journalism, food writing, feature writing, and environment reporting. You will participate in hands-on workshops, editorial meetings, and field reporting, gaining practical skills in writing, editing, and digital storytelling. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with influential journalists and industry leaders, exploring career paths in media.