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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

10 Media Internships for High School Students

Media is a competitive industry that can be hard to crack without any prior experience. Be it journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or digital media, high school students who wish to gain an edge and enhance their college applications often seek internships to give them a leg up. Not only does engaging in a media internship offer valuable insights about industry practices to make students succeed in college, but the exposure and skill enhancement also improve students’ career readiness.


With practical experience working in the industry, you are better equipped to apply to other professional opportunities, add your experience to your college application, or even bring it up as a point of discussion during your college interview!


Here are 10 media internships for high school students  - with networking opportunities, workshops, and more!


Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more.  You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alumni, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. 


Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.


Cost/Stipend: Costs $1990 (Financial Aid Available)

Location:  Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort 

Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!


This work-learn program takes place in New York City, and offers an immersive environment for students to learn, investigate, and explore in the company of their peers, mentors, and instructors. 


Students will become familiar with the local public transport systems in the city, and learn to navigate a fast-paced environment- skills which are extremely valuable to succeed in the media industry. Students can also choose whether they wish to be day students or residential students, offering the required flexibility to make this program more accessible. All the details regarding what this entails are available here.


The program has a diverse course catalog, and the cohort sizes are relatively small to ensure that students receive individual attention.


Amongst their featured courses is the Advanced Media Methods: Visual Storytelling course which encourages students to push the boundaries of storytelling with multi-media strategies as they construct compelling narratives. 

Their courses are all taught by editors, reports, and other industry experts with first-hand experience working in the industry. 


Cost/Stipend: Costs $7,220 for the residential program, and $5,935 for the day program. Financial aid and scholarships are available, they have an earlier application deadline (February 26, 2024).

Location: New York City

Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while seats are available. April 8, 2024, was the deadline for the 2024 cohort.

Program dates: Depend on the instructors’ schedules, typically between June and July.

Eligibility: Students of at least 15 years of age on the first day of the term, in grades 10 to 12, who have completed their online application which includes their transcript and school report, and a reference from a school official.  


For students with a passion for political journalism, the Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a solid opportunity that you can consider!


This year-long residential program offers high-achieving students from low-income families the opportunity to delve into politics and current affairs in a hands-on environment. Participants will be taught by Princeton professors and seasoned journalists, and also benefit from the personalized guidance of a college advisor. 


This is a super competitive program with a rigorous three-round application process, with only 40 students making it to the final cohort. It blends online and in-person components, including weekly lectures and workshops which are conducted by program alumni and journalists from esteemed publications such as The Washington Post,  The New York Times, The New Yorker, CNN, and more. You can view their 2023 Summer Journal to get a glimpse of what to expect.

Cost/Stipend: None

Location: Hybrid (virtual + Princeton Campus, New Jersey)

Application deadline: February 27, 2024

Program dates: Online workshops in July and 10 day residential experience in early August.

Eligibility:  High-achieving juniors from high school and low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, living and studying in the US with a minimum GPA of 3.5. 


As interns, high school students will gain first-hand experience of what working as a professional journalist entails as they cover breaking news, experiment in multimedia storytelling, and craft feature stories. They will reach out to potential sources, schedule and conduct interviews, and pursue their leads with the support of mentors. 


This program also offers extensive training and workshops from an award-winning newsroom, ensuring students receive an enriching and valuable experience that will lay the groundwork for their academic and professional futures in the media industry.


The program hosts open houses to answer all internship-related queries on December 14, January 9/29, and February 13.


Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid $16.90 per hour

Location: Hybrid (in-person at the El Segundo office from Monday to Wednesday, virtual on Thursday)

Application deadline: February 19, 2024

Program dates: June 17, 2024 to August 2, 2024

Eligibility: High school students graduating in 2024, 2025, or 2026 who are available for the duration of the internship and able to work hybrid. Participants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.


This program from the Brooklyn Academy of Music welcomes 15 interns each year, and offers behind-the-scenes access to one of the country’s oldest performing arts venues. Participants receive personal support with their college applications, and are encouraged to create plans for their future after high school. This includes college applications and SAT/ACT fee waivers, coaching to strengthen their interview and public speaking skills, and assistance with developing their professional resumes and cover letters.


Cost/Stipend: Stipends for 2024 cohorts are as follows:

  • Summer: $225

  • Fall $300

  • Spring $500

Location: Virtual or in-person in New York City

Application deadline: June 4, 2024

Program dates: Summer 2024 Intensive will be conducted in August 2024, Fall/Spring Sessions will be conducted between October 2024 and June 2025 (exact schedule will be published at a later date)

Eligibility: This program is for rising high school seniors attending high school in five New York City boroughs (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island, Queens, The Bronx) with a GPA of 2.0 or more


This program offers students the freedom and flexibility to pursue their area of interest in various roles such as stage managing, writing, animation, set design, photography, videography, sound design, color grading, editing, and more. 


Throughout this program, students will interact with like-minded peers, film professionals, and industry veterans, allowing them to build a valuable network and gain enriching insights into the industry. They will also be involved in noteworthy events such as the San Diego Film Awards and San Diego Film Week, thus flaming their passions for films, and honing their skills in event management, collaboration, and communication.


This opportunity allows students to build a community with film enthusiasts of all kinds, each performing various roles, thus exposing them to the nuances involved in production, festivals, and more.


Cost/Stipend: None

Location: San Diego

Application deadline: Applications are accepted throughout the year

Program dates: Spring and Summer semester dates are available. Exact 

Eligibility: high school students with a passion for working in films and various roles associated with it.


Grady College offers programs in Advertising and Public Relations; Broadcast Journalism; News Website Journalism; and Entertainment and Media Studies, in partnership with the University of Georgia Summer Academy.


During this program, students are instructed by guest speakers, and engaged in various activities as they work on specialized projects. 


In the Advertising and Public Relations program, students will learn how to effectively communicate with their target audience, and design an integrated campaign for a nonprofit organization. 


The Broadcast Journalism course entails a final class project that helps students hone their technical skills in videography, video editing, and technical skills in reporting.


For students interested in media industries, the Entertainment and Media Studies course will help them understand the basics of content production, from screenwriting to digital editing. They will also work on a project that they can showcase in their portfolios.

The Multimedia Journalism program enables students to explore visual journalism and social media storytelling, as they produce a news website under the guidance of their instructor.


Overall, this program covers a lot of important areas for students who wish to pursue various media careers.


Cost/Stipend: Day Camp costs $500; Residential Camp costs $1175. Financial aid is available, and requires a financial aid application with a statement of interest (250 words) and a statement of need (500 words) along with a letter of recommendation and work sample.

Location: Grady College of Journalism, University of Georgia Campus, Athens, GA

Application deadline: Starting February 1, 2024. Participants are accepted on a rolling basis with a maximum capacity of 20 participants each camp week. For financial assistance, the deadline is March 15, 2024.

Program dates: Dates are as follows:

  • Advertising and Public Relations: Overnight June 9-15 or Day Camp June 10-14 

  • Broadcast Journalism: Overnight June 9-15 or Day Camp June 10-14

  • Entertainment and Media Studies - Overnight June 16-22 or Day Camp June 17-21

  • Multimedia Journalism: Overnight June 16-22 or Day Camp June 17-21

Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 17 at the start of the program


The EBF internship program is designed to encourage diversity in the media industry, by connecting students of color with internship opportunities at leading media, tech, and entertainment companies.


This includes organizations such as Paramount, NFL, Warner Bros. Discover, NBC Universal, Hearst Television, and more. 


The program focuses on 3 primary tracks: content, business, and innovation, which encompasses all kinds of disciplines such as public relations, marketing, journalism, digital media, computer science, communications, and more.


Students will receive hands-on, practical experience as they are immersed in the bustling environment of these organizations, engaging in various tasks related to their track. 


Cost/Stipend: None

Location: Depends on the internship

Application deadline: Applications are accepted until all placements are completed, typically until May 1.

Program dates: Typically in May or June. Exact dates depend on the company that the student is interning at.

Eligibility: High school senior students of color who plan on attending a four-year accredited US college or university, with a GPA of 3.0 interested in pursuing a career in media/entertainment/tech. They must be a US citizen or permanent resident, and 18 years of age before starting the internship, able to dedicate 8 weeks and work full time for 35 to 40 hours per week.


Interning at the MET offers students the opportunity to connect one-on-one with Museum professionals working in various fields including education, research, conservation, marketing, editorial, and more. Students will engage with art, and creative professionals as they network and develop their professional skills while gaining work experience.


The program includes a boot camp to introduce students to the nitty-gritty of their responsibilities, after which they will be placed in a department to observe, assist, and be mentored by the Museum staff. The intern’s placement depends on the intern’s interests and the department internship project. 


The Program also includes teen Fridays, career labs, check-ins, and a final event planning and celebration. 


Cost/Stipend: Interns receive a stipend commensurate with New York State minimum wage law upon completion of the program. ($1,100)

Location: The Met, New York City.

Application deadline: March 8, 2024 for Summer Internships. The deadline for school year internships for 2024, was October 27, 2023.

Program dates: Typically July 8 to August 9, 2024 for the Summer Internship. School-Year internships are also available.

Eligibility: Students in grade 10 or 11, or obtaining their High School Equivalency degree and who, on the application deadline date, either reside in or attend a high school or home school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. They must also have not completed another internship at the Met, and should be available to attend all the sessions of the program.


This media-focused internship encompasses media literacy and digital learning, media career development, and mentorship, to ensure students receive all-round instruction on breaking into the media and entertainment industry.


Students are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for their college experience, and also receive networking opportunities which will enable them to forge strong connections that will assist them in the future.


This program can help students lay a strong foundation for college applications and careers, as they gain invaluable insights and experience, and polish their skills in public speaking, script and column writing, researching, editing, storytelling, audio production, production research, and more.


The main highlights of this program are the networking opportunities with high-profile industry professionals, and the opportunity to go behind the scenes and visit newsrooms, production sets, podcast studios, and more. Students will also create a column for the Paley Education newsletter, which they can add to their portfolio to showcase their work.


Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid $16 per hour and receive a Metrocard for commuting.

Location: The Paley Center for Media, New York

Application deadline: April 12, 2024

Program dates: July 1, 2024 for August 2, 2024

Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students with a valid employment certificate, who are allowed to work in the US. 


Students interested in pursuing content development, post-production, communication, and other such roles in the entertainment industry can benefit from the Warner Bros. Reach Honorship Program. It offers practical experience in film and television production and enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the creative and business aspects of the industry.

 

The program offers students the opportunity to work with industry professionals and gain practical insights into the operation processes in a major studio. Students will assist in various aspects such as marketing campaigns, multimedia content production, creative development, and more. Students will also be mentored by these experienced professionals, thus providing them with valuable industry experience and guidance, as they forge connections that can enhance their future careers.


Cost/Stipend: No cost to attend, students are paid a $5,000 stipend towards their college tuition. The scholarship will be paid directly to the college/university in equal ($1,250) annual installments.

Location: Warner Bros. Discovery Studios in Burbank, California

Application deadline: Recruitment for the program is temporarily paused. New applications for Summer 2025 should resume soon.

Program dates: Variable

Eligibility: Students who - are high school seniors in Burbank or Los Angeles County;- have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon graduation;- plan to attend an accredited college or university;- are passionate about a career in the business of media and entertainment;- have effective verbal and written communication skills; can apply.



If you’re interested in pursuing research in media or related fields, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.


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