Urban Journalism Workshop and broadcast camp planned here this summer

Urban Journalism Workshop and broadcast camp planned here this summer

The Urban Journalism Workshop is looking for high school students interested in journalism to participate in a program here this summer.

The Urban Journalism Workshop is a nonprofit organization at the University of St. Thomas that offers students the opportunity to participate in training programs that encourage careers in journalism. More than 400 high school students participate in its programs each year.

In June, the Urban Journalism Workshop will host a two-week residential program for up to 18 high school students of color interested in journalism as a career. The workshop runs from June 18 to 30 at St. Thomas. Six of these students will be chosen for an additional five-day broadcasting camp, which runs from July 3 to 7. For the summer workshop, students completing ninth through 12th grade this spring are encouraged to apply.

The camp is targeted at minority students of any income level. The program is free.

Students who are chosen to participate will pay nothing for the camp and will receive a modest stipend. They will live and work for two weeks at St. Thomas, with food and lodging provided.

Students will work with the St. Thomas journalism faculty and professional journalists from local newspapers and television stations. Students will have access to a recreation room and gymnasium and there will be evening activities such as movies and trips to sporting events.

They will learn about journalism while attending classes on writing, reporting, interviewing, photography, broadcast, design and other aspects of journalism. Students also will take field trips to newsrooms and see the production of a newscast. Guided by a professional journalist, each student will report and write an article to be published in the Star Tribune or Pioneer Press.

Students who participate in the workshop also become eligible to apply for a four-year scholarship to study journalism at the University of St. Thomas.

Applications for this program must be postmarked by April 7.

For an application and more information about the Urban Journalism Workshop, contact executive director Lynda McDonnell, (651)962-5282, lmmcdonnell@stthomas.edu. Applications also are available online at www.stthomas.edu/jour/ujw.