National Journalism Center
Since 1977, the National Journalism Center has trained aspiring journalists in the values of responsible, balanced, and accurate reporting. We’re training a new generation of leaders to bring balance to the media.
Apply for the 12-Week Program
The program is dedicated to reviving objectivity in the news media landscape.
Spring 2024 Session
Dates - January 22 to April 19
Summer 2024 Session
Dates - May 20 to August 2
Why Students Choose NJC
“I would recommend NJC to anyone who has a passion for policy, media, and following the news.”
University of Michigan
“I have learned more about journalism this summer than during my entire college career thus far.”
Mississippi State University
Being a part of the National Journalism Center has furthered my passion to pursue a career in journalism.
North Carolina AT&T University
Paid Internships
Spring and summer internship opportunities with a monthly stipend.
On-the-Job Training
Experience gained in working at the nation’s leading media outlets.
Weekly Seminars
Talks and workshops with prominent journalists and public policy experts.
The Dao Prize
The Dao Prize, funded by the Daofeng and Angela Foundation and launched in conjunction with YAF’s National Journalism Center, is an annual award founded to recognize excellence in investigative journalism. Dao Prize-winning journalism stands out for accuracy and courage.
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notable ALUMNI
Peter Schweizer
Greg Gutfeld
FAQS
There are 5 main components of the NJC application.
- Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- 2-3 Writing Samples (of 5 pages or less; news clips preferred)
- An official college transcript is required upon acceptance into the program.
Applications will not be reviewed until all supplemental materials are received, and candidates will not be accepted into the program with any outstanding materials.
These materials can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the NJC office.
National Journalism Center
RE: Application
11480 Commerce Park Dr
Suite 600
Reston, VA 20191
References can be professional, academic or personal. Please include the name of each reference, their affiliation, their relationship to you, their email address, and their phone number. A total of three references are required.
You do not need to submit letters of recommendation; full contact information for your references is preferred. You may submit reference letters if you choose, but only in addition to submitting detailed contact information for your references.
Ultimately, we would like participants to have published news clips that best exemplify your talents as a news reporter, however, we recognize that some candidates might not have news clips. If you do not have published material, please send us an academic sample that clearly demonstrates your writing ability (no longer than 5 pages). If you are sending academic samples, we recommend sending samples from courses that would relate to covering politics, including papers on public policy, economics, business, communications, or journalism.
The National Journalism Center seeks candidates that are dedicated to becoming a more responsible reporter, combating media bias, and developing as a conservative journalist. The most competitive applicants will have demonstrated some previous interest in journalism, either working for their college newspaper, starting their own news blog, or have other media experience.
Yes, we do accept other social science majors. Many of our past program participants have been pursuing degrees in history, political science, economics, and philosophy.
NJC typically accepts college juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. We do, however, accept some exceptional college freshmen and sophomore applicants. At this time, we do not accept high school students.
We have taken some scholars and fellows from foreign countries in the past; however, securing a visa can be a long and difficult process. For this reason, we limit our acceptance of foreign applicants.
When you have submitted all components of your application, your materials will be reviewed by the NJC staff. If we feel that you could potentially be a valuable asset to the NJC program, we will contact you for a series of interviews with staff members. Please note that not all applicants will be granted interviews.
Applicants will be notified of their status with the program as staff reviews applications.
There is no cost to participate in the National Journalism Center program. In fact, participants receive a $1,500 monthly scholarship which is pro-rated for partial months. Participants frequently use part or all of their scholarship to pay for housing, food, and transportation while in Washington.
NJC itself does not provide housing; however, we do provide you with resources to help you find housing in the area. Housing guides are emailed to participants upon their acceptance into the program and NJC staff are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about moving to Washington, D.C. It is worth noting that most of our participants come from outside the greater D.C. area and typically have few problems finding housing, provided they start early. It is a very transient city; students are coming and going at all times of the year, so there are no shortage of options for temporary housing.
Participants will be notified of their media placements a few weeks before the program begins. Some media organizations will contact NJC participants for interviews or to set up logistical information. Please note that these interviews are in conjunction with the NJC program and are not separate opportunities. Everyone will be notified officially about their placement and provided with contact information for their supervisor during orientation, if not sooner.
We take your career interests, previous experience, and your suggestions into consideration and match you with a partnering media outlet at which we believe you will best thrive.
Most NJC trainees participate in the full-time program; however, some participants taking classes may participate in the program part-time if arrangements are made with NJC staff in advance.
Participants typically spend between 30 and 35 hours per week at their media placements, and also participate in the NJC weekly training seminar. Because news is not 9-5, your placement may require you to work some nights or weekends.
The seminars include journalism skills training, writing and grammar exercises, reading assignments, and current events discussions. Each seminar typically features guest speakers, either prominent journalists or public policy experts who will share their insights into the industry or resources for journalists to take advantage of. These sessions are designed to give participants a better understanding of media, society and public policy, and the intersection between the three here in Washington, D.C.
NJC provides you with the opportunity of a lifetime and can further your career in journalism. Through our hands-on program, you will learn alongside some of the best journalists in the D.C. area. During weekly seminars, participants will learn how to advance their writing skills and make themselves more marketable to prospective employers, and will gather invaluable knowledge and extensive training to pursue future careers in media.
Please apply here.
Marc Thiessen