Are you a high school journalist who enjoys interviewing people and writing stories about important community issues? Do you enjoy taking photos? Are you interested in helping diversify newsrooms?
Pamplin Media Group, through a partnership with Metro, is offering two part-time, paid summer internships to high school journalists in the Portland metro region. The interns will receive mentorship and training from professional journalists and Portland Tribune/Pamplin Media Group staff over the course of 10 weeks.
The program aims to elevate and amplify the voices of students from historically marginalized communities. Students of color, low-income students and members of other historically marginalized groups are eligible to apply.
Application packets must be received by May 1, 2020.
What would the internship entail?
The two interns will work closely with an internship coordinator, a professional journalist who will serve as their editor and mentor, as well as other Portland Tribune/Pamplin Media Group staff. Student interns will report and produce stories independently and potentially work with each other on stories and projects. Students with skills in photography and/or radio are also encouraged to apply.
Work created by the students would be published in the Portland Tribune or other Pamplin newspapers and websites, online at Metro News and potentially in other media outlets.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to job shadow Portland Tribune staff.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be at least 16 years old by June 10, 2020.
Applicants should have some prior exposure to journalism, either through a journalism class or from writing for a school publication. Students with experience reporting, conducting interviews, writing journalism stories, taking photos and other similar skills are eligible.
Students also need to have an interest in potentially pursuing journalism after high school. High school seniors graduating in spring 2020 are eligible to apply.
Applicants chosen for the internship will need to pass a criminal background check and a drug and alcohol test; complete several forms for the Pamplin Media Group Human Resources office; and verify eligibility to work in the United States.
What is the commitment?
This is a 10-week internship program with flexible start and end dates. Depending on school responsibilities, interns will work an average of 20 hours per week. They will work with the internship coordinator to schedule their orientation and summer schedule. Interns will need to meet face-to-face at least once a week with the internship coordinator.
Pamplin Media Group will employ the students during the duration of their internships and offer the interns access to the Portland Tribune newsroom as well as photography, audio and computer equipment.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, interns will earn $13/hour.
Do I get a job at the conclusion of the internship?
No, this is an internship only. No jobs will be offered at the conclusion of the internship.
How do I apply?
All application materials must be received by Pamplin Media Group by May 1, 2020. Successful applications must include:
- Fillable application form:
- Up to six clips (work samples) of stories and/or photos that demonstrate your skills in storytelling, either through words or photos;
- Personal statement of up to 500 words describing yourself and why you’re interested in journalism;
- Short essay of up to 500 words: This innovative partnership aims to elevate and amplify the voices of high school journalists from historically marginalized groups, such as communities of color, low-income families and other groups. Describe how your background and personal lived experience would contribute to newsroom diversity and improve reporting and coverage; and
- Recommendation letter from teacher or mentor who can comment on your experience and potential in journalism as well as your maturity and ability to work independently.
To apply, mail the application packet to:
Courtney Vaughn
Pamplin Media Group
6605 SE Lake Road
Portland, OR 97222
OR
Email the application packet to: [email protected]. Please put “High school internship” in the subject line.