Students learn from accomplished journalists and university professors while gaining practical experience in the field. By the end of the program, students create a body of work, build connections and meet aspiring journalists from around the world.
Students will focus on reporting, writing and editing for print, broadcast and online media. In addition, students will study video, audio and photojournalism as well as digital storytelling. The training they will receive in writing clearly, concisely and accurately will serve them for years to come, no matter what their college major or chosen career. Students do not earn college credit but they will receive extensive and thorough evaluation of their work.
The Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute is the nation’s most prestigious university-based summer program for high school journalists. It was established in 1934 as the “National Institute for High School Journalists” and for many years was known as the “National High School Institute, Journalism Division.” Over the years, students often have been called “Cherubs,” a tradition that began in the 1930s.
Location(s)
- Remote
Schedule
- Four weeks from late June to late July
Cost/Compensation
- $5,000 tuition
Eligibility Requirements
- The program is designed for students who wish to become better writers and editors for print, online and broadcast.
- Any student with experience in journalism and journalistic writing should consider applying.
- Cherubs have backgrounds in digital journalism, newspaper, television, audio and/or yearbook.
- Applicants must be rising High School Seniors
Deadline
- Mid March
Application or Entry Requirements
- Online application
- Essay
- Transcript
- Test scores (if available)
- A letter of recommendation
- Writing samples
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
- The program has $100,000 in financial aid and scholarships available for 2023. Financial aid is need-based, but there is no set income level necessary to qualify. The program has six named scholarships.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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Northwestern Medill is an undergraduate and graduate school at Northwestern University that is frequently ranked as the nation’s top program for Journalism and Media & Integrated Marketing Communications. Located in Evanston, Illinois, the Medill School was founded in 1921, and now operates branch campuses in San Francisco and Qatar. The Medill Justice Project was established in 1999 to investigate murder cases in Illinois suspected of wrongful conviction. Medill alumni have been recognized with over 40 Pulitzer Prize Awards, 6 American Business Media Jesse H. Neal Awards, and 71 Emmy Awards. Notable Medill alumni include Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, Rachel Nichols of ESPN, and multi-Pulitzer Prize winner David Barstow of the New York Times.
