Institute for Environmental Journalism Summer 2020
Who can apply? Students entering 10th through 12th grade in the fall of 2020, as well as graduating high school seniors. We accept participants from the United States and abroad.
How do I apply? The free application is available here and is due by May 1. Admission is on a rolling basis. The application contains four short response questions. In addition to your answers, we will need you to provide either a recommendation letter or contact information for a reference. An entrance interview over the phone is the last part of the application process.
Why learn about journalism with InsideClimate News? As stated in our mission, ICN is committed to training the next generation of journalists and strengthening the practice of environmental journalism. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning organization, and the winner of most the nation's premiere journalism awards, we hold ourselves to the highest journalistic standards. This, coupled with our professional ethos centered on building community, collaboration, and teamwork to create unparalleled journalism, means that you will learn environmental journalism from the best in the field.
Does student work get published? There is no guarantee, but we do help students make the effort. Student work has appeared on NPR, Maine Public Radio, NY Times (photojournalism contest finalist), Journalism Education Today, Tribune News Service, ClimateTracker.org, iGenerationYouth, Women Across Frontiers, Massive Science, The Green Report (hs newspaper), The George Mason Lasso. We know that some of our students have gone on to work for: City Limits in NYC, Mayor's Youth Council on Climate Action in LA, Maine Public Radio, iGenerationYouth, ClimateTracker.org, Ms magazine.
What is the cost? Tuition for the 2020 Maine session is $3750. This is a boarding program and includes meals and snacks.
Does the program meet on weekends? The Maine session runs for 12 consecutive days from Sunday evening, July 5 to early afternoon on Friday, July 17. Classes meet on the weekend of July 11.
When can I check into the dorms ahead of the program? You can arrive anytime after 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. All participants must vacate the dorms at the end of the program by 2 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
Are scholarships available? There are a limited number of scholarships available, made possible by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Both partial and full scholarships are awarded to promising individuals, based primarily on need. InsideClimate News wants to attract participants of all backgrounds to the Institute for Environmental Journalism. To apply for a scholarship, please fill out the scholarship form by May 1, in addition to the main application form. Those who submit after May 1 will be considered on a rolling basis depending on available funds. Keep in mind you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from Maine.
Do parents and caregivers get to visit the program or go on field trips? While they can't join on field trips, parents, caregivers, and families are invited to an end of program panel on the final Friday of the session. Participants will present their work for families, ICN staffers, guest speakers and other invited guests.
How do you make sure participants are safe? We do resume and state-required background checks on all our instructors and institute staff. We supervise participants on field and reporting trips, as well as in the classroom. Our on-site counsellors will be responsible for enforcing curfews, university policies and keeping students safe after program hours.
Still have questions? Contact us at journalisminstitute@insideclimatenews.org.
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