JCamp is a national multicultural journalism program for high school students. The six-day training camp brings together culturally diverse students from across the nation to learn from veteran journalists and leading media executives. JCamp participants will receive hands-on training and produce multiplatform news packages for the program’s news site, JCamp Live.
JCamp’s goal is to develop the next generation of journalists. This six-day training camp brings together a multicultural group of high school students from across the nation to sharpen their journalism skills and work together in a unique learning environment. The curriculum consists of interactive workshops, hands-on training and field trips.
Selected students demonstrate a keen interest in broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, photojournalism or online media. This program is not limited to Asian American students, but to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. There is no fee to apply and all costs are covered — including airfare, lodging and meals. Students stay in university housing during the camp week.
JCamp strives to confront the lack of diversity in journalism, in regards to race, socioeconomics, geography, religion, sexual orientation and identity. The camp strives to ensure excellence in the profession for decades to come. Through this culture of excellence and diversification, JCamp cultivates the voices and views of our future media leaders on government, human interest, entertainment, recreation, science, medicine, and national and international news.
The curriculum focuses on teaching and ingraining the following core principles:
The Value of Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
This heightened awareness comes from interactions with peers and mentors from completely different environments and backgrounds, along with training in the basics of effective interpersonal skills and the importance of creating inclusive environments as colleagues and journalists.
The Fundamentals of Leadership
Faculty work with students on persuasive communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, project management, developing a personal identity, and accountability.
The Importance of Diversity in the Newsroom and in Media Coverage
JCamp fosters an appreciation for diverse viewpoints and reporting in diverse communities. Students also learn why it is important that media outlets reflect the communities they cover.
Strong Ethics in Journalism Practice
Students gain an understanding of the universal ethics of good journalism and the responsibilities of the media to cover communities with sensitivity and high standards.
The Value of Networking & Career Mapping
Regardless of a student’s eventual career choice, each will go home with an understanding of how to pursue a profession and an appreciation for the importance of networking and building relationships with mentors and peers.:
Location(s)
- Locations vary, but past locations have included University of Southern California
Schedule
- Six days in late July
Cost/Compensation
- All costs are covered by the program including airfare, lodging, and meals.
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be in 9th, 10th or 11th grade.
- This program is not limited to Asian American students
Deadline
- Late March
Application or Entry Requirements
- Students must write a statement about their interest in journalism and/or why they want to apply to this journalism program specifically.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) is a nonprofit organization that aims to increase the representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in journalism and media. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the association has more than 1,500 members in the United States and Asia who work in all aspects of journalism, including print, broadcast, online, and social media. AAJA has played a key role in increasing diversity and representation in the media by working with newsrooms and media organizations to develop policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion and providing training and mentorship programs for Asian American journalists. AAJA also provides resources and support for journalists who cover issues related to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, such as the MediaWatch program, which monitors and responds to media coverage of Asian American issues and provides resources for journalists covering the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. AAJA has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Press Club's Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism and the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi Award for Diversity.
