The NAHJ Student Project

NAHJ 2026 Student Project

Applications are now open for the 2026 NAHJ Student Project — NAHJ’s premier training program for emerging journalists. Many of today’s newsroom leaders, educators, and industry professionals began their careers through this very initiative. NAHJ was also the first diverse journalism organization to develop a convention-based newsroom training experience for students.

Program Overview

Selected college students will strengthen their reporting, writing, multimedia, and storytelling skills in a real newsroom environment during the NAHJ national convention. Under the guidance of professional mentors, participants will:

  • Write and report stories
  • Produce and edit video
  • Capture still photography
  • Cover events on social media

Students will publish stories about the convention and the Latino community for Latino Reporter Digital, the official Student Project website. NAHJ will cover all major expenses for participants, including travel, hotel accommodations, meals, and convention registration.

Program Dates & Location

The week-long newsroom will take place during the NAHJ Conference & Expo in New Orleans, LA, from Monday, July 20, 2026, to Saturday, July 25, 2026.All accepted students are required to participate for the full duration of the program. Students with full-time jobs or internships must request the week off in advance.

The Student Project has a long history of helping participants secure competitive internships, and many alumni have gone on to work at top media outlets across the country.

To complete the application, you’ll need the following:

  • Resume
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Essay (300-400 words) Choose ONE topic: a) How do you think you would benefit from being part of the Student Project OR b) What can you bring to the Student Project that no one else can?
  • 3 Work Samples (Broadcast/Multimedia/Audio Work Samples should be no longer than 3 minutes. Submit samples by uploading a document with links to the work. 
  • Unofficial Transcript
  • You must be an NAHJ student member to apply. Become a member.

Deadline to apply is December 28, 2025 – 11:59 PM PT

APPLY HERE

Interested in serving as a Mentor?

NAHJ is seeking professionals to serve as mentors for our Student Projects. We are looking for mentors across all mediums of communication, to include editors, writers, producers, reporters, photographers, and academic professors.

Student Projects mentors play a crucial role by supervising team reporting projects, leading training sessions, and preparing students for both the NAHJ Convention and their transition from the classroom to the workplace. Serving as a “Latino Reporter” editor provides a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, and participate in the NAHJ National Convention.

The Student Project Mentors is a week-long commitment, and if selected, NAHJ will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the duration of the conference.

MENTOR APPLICATION

Student Project Alumni

Watch former NAHJ Student Project alumnus Christian Galeno’s testimonial sharing the impact it has had on his career.

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