If you’re a high school student with an interest in journalism, consider participating in a journalism program. Many journalism programs provide opportunities to explore the industry while also developing strong communication, critical thinking, and media literacy skills, which are valuable in any professional environment. You will learn how to conduct research, communicate effectively, and evaluate sources. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professional journalists who will provide mentorship and guidance as you explore this field.
Why should you consider an online journalism program?
Online journalism programs offer flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace while balancing school and activities. These programs often use real-world projects, digital tools, and feedback from instructors to simulate professional journalism experiences. They also introduce you to contemporary media skills such as digital storytelling, podcasting, and multimedia reporting. Overall, online journalism programs help you build confidence, creativity, and practical skills that prepare you for college and future careers.
With that, here are 15 online journalism programs for high school students.
If you’re interested in journalism internships for high school students, check out this blog.
1. The Yale Daily News Spring Symposium
Location: Online
Cost: $300 (partial need-based scholarships available); Fee waived for eligible New Haven Public Schools students
Cohort Size: 20-30 participants
Application Deadline: February 10
Dates: March 19 – 22
Eligibility: High school students interested in journalism
In this four-day program, you’ll attend workshops on reporting and writing fundamentals, editing, and multimedia storytelling, all led by Yale Daily News staff. You’ll also hear from guest speakers working in journalism and receive feedback on your assignments. Over the course of the program, you’ll report and write a story, and your work can be published in a special issue of the Yale Daily News. The program indicates that prior journalism experience is not required.
2. The Stanford Daily – Online Winter Journalism Workshop
Location: Online
Cost: $1,000 – $1,500 + $30 nonrefundable application fee (waivers available); Full & partial need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: December 7
Dates: December 15 – January 9
Eligibility: High school students
The Stanford Daily’s Online Winter Journalism Workshop teaches journalism fundamentals through real-world reporting assignments. You’ll learn to cultivate sources, craft news pieces, write breaking news, navigate ethical challenges, and develop opinion and feature articles. You’ll also gain multimedia and digital skills and receive one-on-one guidance from Stanford Daily editors. The program includes weekly lectures, small group meetings, and office hours, with the possibility of publishing your work on The Stanford Daily’s website. The workshop is designed to prepare you for college journalism. You must commit 15-20 hours per week and participate in a dedicated Slack workspace for communication.
3. The Daily Free Press – Summer Journalism Bootcamp
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: August 1 (tentatively)
Dates: August 5, 12, 19
Eligibility: High school and college students (affiliation with Boston University not required)
This is a two-week remote workshop in which you’ll attend three virtual sessions spaced one week apart. You’ll participate in instructional blocks on topics such as ethics of reporting, finding story ideas, hard news, feature and opinion writing, sports writing, photojournalism, and video journalism. Between sessions, you’ll work on an assignment that results in a reported piece you can add to your portfolio. Your work may be considered for publication in The Daily Free Press, giving you a concrete product of the workshop. You’ll also attend webinars with professional reporters from outlets like The Boston Globe and The New York Times, as well as sessions with current and former FreeP editors.
4. Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) – Online Summer Journalism Workshop
Location: Online
Cost: $1,100 per session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: June 30
Dates: Multiple sessions in July
Eligibility: Senior high school students from U.S. and international schools that follow an American plan of education
The CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop offers virtual sessions for high school students interested in journalism. You can choose from three distinct week-long online sessions, each focusing on reporting and writing, editorial leadership, and design. The workshop is designed for students who work on print or online publications and want to improve their journalism skills. You’ll participate in live and interactive sessions, connecting with peers and learning from experienced instructors. The workshop is open to students from both public and private schools, as well as faith-based institutions.
5. The Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Academy
Location: Online (or in-person @ Cambridge, MA)
Cost: $740 (virtual); Limited financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: July 6 – 15
Eligibility: High school students
The Harvard Crimson Summer Journalism Academy is run by student editors from The Harvard Crimson, Harvard’s independent student newspaper. As a participant, you’ll take part in live sessions that focus on story development, reporting, and editing practices. Depending on your interests, you can work within sections such as News, Opinion, or Multimedia. Throughout the program, you’ll complete several writing assignments and receive direct feedback on your work. Some sessions include conversations with guest speakers about paths within journalism.
6. NBCU Academy – Fundamentals of Journalism
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not applicable (open enrollment)
Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: High school students and anyone interested in journalism
The Fundamentals of Journalism course covers the basics of journalism, including reporting, journalism ethics, and digital storytelling. You will get to learn from NBCUniversal News Group anchors and newsroom leaders. Some relevant skills you’ll pick up include interviewing, pitching a story, and news writing. You may complete all modules at your own pace. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass each module, and upon successful completion, you will receive a digital credential.
7. Pasquines Writing Internship
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Year-round; Flexible
Eligibility: High school students
Pasquines is a nonprofit news outlet that focuses on political and policy reporting about U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. As an intern, you’ll work on researching public affairs topics, drafting articles for an online readership, and revising your work with guidance from experienced editors. This program is especially relevant if you are a journalism enthusiast interested in civic issues, government reporting, or regions of the United States that receive limited national coverage. If needed, you may also ask for support in arranging college credit.
8. NBCU Academy – Bilingual Journalism: Covering Latino Communities
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not applicable (open enrollment)
Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: High school students and anyone interested in journalism; No Spanish language requirement
The Bilingual Journalism: Covering Latino Communities course teaches you the fundamentals of bilingual journalism and reporting for Latino communities. You’ll learn from NBCU News Group and Telemundo journalists, as well as Montclair State University professors, through interactive modules and real-life scenarios. The curriculum covers newsgathering, storytelling, and ethical reporting, with guidance from industry experts. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital credential.
9. Northwestern University – Medill High School Journalism Live
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Varies (virtual workshops offered throughout the year)
Eligibility: High school students
Medill High School Journalism Live offers free virtual workshops that introduce you to journalism and media through expert-led sessions. You’ll learn practical skills, including reporting, writing, and multimedia production, and get a sense of what it’s like to study journalism at the college level. Each workshop features Medill faculty and covers different aspects of journalism. Topics include sport journalism, storytelling on your smart device, and tricks from Medill alumni for in-person and remote reporting.
10. Project Write Now Teen Internship
Location: Online (select tracks)
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 8-10 participants (varies by track)
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on role
Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18) passionate about writing and storytelling
During the Project Write Now Teen Internship, you’ll build writing, editing, and communication skills by contributing to projects that serve a local community. Your tasks may include drafting content, supporting social media efforts, or helping with workshops for younger students. You might also assist with interviews or help develop posts for the organization’s blog. The program emphasizes working with staff and peers while receiving guidance along the way. This experience is relevant if you are a journalism enthusiast looking to practice reporting, storytelling, or audience-focused writing. It also gives you the chance to gain experience with published work and leadership responsibilities centered on writing.
11. Youth Journalism International (YJI) Student Reporter Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Students aged 19 or younger from around the world
YJI allows you to work as a student reporter covering current issues for an international readership. You’ll develop story ideas, conduct interviews, and publish articles with guidance from editors. Before contributing, you’ll complete a required orientation that is offered multiple times during the year. The program is fully online, making it accessible regardless of location, and your level of involvement can vary based on your availability. Through ongoing contributions, you can gradually build a portfolio of published journalism work.
12. Kenyon Review – Young Writers Online Workshops
Location: Online (in-person options available)
Cost: $995
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: November 1 – December 18 (winter); Opens in March (summer)
Dates: January 24 – February 28 (winter); June 14 – 19 (summer)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
The Kenyon Review’s online workshops focus on building your writing practice through regular exercises, assigned readings, and group discussions. You’ll work across genres such as poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, which can be useful if you are interested in journalism that uses narrative or personal approaches. Instruction takes place in small groups, allowing for structured feedback from instructors and peers. Sessions include craft-focused lessons, writing prompts, and peer review activities. The program can help you develop content for school publications or prepare submissions.
13. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
Location: Online
Cost: Non-refundable application fee of $60 fee; Program fee unspecified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Opens in December
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions from June to July
Eligibility: Current high school students or graduating seniors
Boston University Summer Journalism Academy offers two-week sessions that introduce you to core journalism skills through live classes and structured reporting assignments. You’ll work on topics such as interviewing techniques, ethical standards, story organization, and writing for digital and broadcast platforms, with instruction from working journalists. Over the course of the program, you’ll typically produce several news stories and receive editorial feedback. Some pieces may be considered for publication on The Terrier, Boston University’s student news outlet. The schedule also includes guest sessions that cover areas like media law and audio journalism.
14. ‘Become a Journalist: Report the News’ Specialization
Location: Online
Cost: Free (paid certificate available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not applicable (open enrollment)
Dates: 2months; Self-paced
Eligibility: High school students interested in journalism
‘Become a Journalist: Report the News’ Specialization is led by journalism faculty from Michigan State University and is designed to be completed at your own pace. You’ll work through lessons on interviewing techniques, news writing structure, verification, and professional standards. Coursework includes practical assignments that focus on planning stories and writing under set deadlines. As part of the final project, you’ll produce and publish a complete news article. The course also includes short quizzes, peer feedback, and recorded lectures. It offers a structured method of learning core journalism skills.
15. Outschool – Online Journalism Classes
Location: Online
Cost: Varies; Typically, $15 – $50 per class
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Varies by class (multiple start dates throughout the year)
Eligibility: High school students
Outschool offers a range of interactive online journalism classes for teens. You can choose from courses in reporting, interviewing, storytelling, and multimedia journalism. Each class is taught by a qualified instructor and includes hands-on projects. Classes are small and interactive, allowing you to get personalized feedback. You can enroll in individual classes or a series, depending on your interests.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investigative journalism, media studies, political reporting, data journalism, and the ethics of news and information, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – Outschool