The Carolina Journalism Institute: A Complete Guide

For students curious about media, writing, or storytelling, the Carolina Journalism Institute (CJI) offers a glimpse into the world of modern journalism. Hosted by the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, this week-long summer program gives middle and high school students the chance to practice real-world communication skills while experiencing life on a college campus.

This guide walks through everything you need to know about the Carolina Journalism Institute—what the program includes, how to apply, costs, and tips for applying and what makes it such a valuable experience for aspiring communicators.

• What Is the Carolina Journalism Institute?
• Carolina Journalism Institute Acceptance Rate
• Carolina Journalism Institute Application Deadline
• Carolina Journalism Institute Requirements
• How to Get into the Carolina Journalism Institute
• Why Join the Carolina Journalism Institute?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Carolina Journalism Institute?

The Carolina Journalism Institute (CJI) is a five-day summer program held each year and hosted jointly by the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications and Carolina Masters Scholars summer camps. It brings together middle and high school students who want to explore journalism, media production, and digital storytelling.

Participants attend workshops led by USC professors and professional journalists, learning about writing, photography, video production, and broadcast reporting. Students also get to stay in university residence halls, eat in the dining halls, and take part in social activities—offering a preview of college life.

The most recent Carolina Journalism Institute took place from June 16–20, 2025, and will return in Summer 2026. Here are some of the activities that students participated in during the CJI 2025 summer program:

• Videography projects. Students learned to shoot and edit video footage, practicing framing, sequencing, and storytelling through motion. They captured scenes around USC’s campus and local events for their final news packages.
• Photography workshops. Campers honed their visual storytelling by experimenting with composition, lighting, and perspective. They took action shots, portraits, and event photos to complement their written and video stories.
• Writing sessions. Participants developed their journalistic writing skills—crafting leads, structuring stories, and editing for clarity and tone. They wrote features and news stories covering real USC summer programs.
• Interviewing exercises. Students practiced conducting on-camera and written interviews, learning how to prepare strong questions and capture meaningful quotes from subjects such as camp directors, athletes, and artists.
• Broadcast and editing training. Using professional equipment, students learned to produce and edit video segments, integrating interviews, B-roll, and natural sound for polished multimedia pieces.
• Photo slideshow production. Some participants curated photo essays and slideshows to document other USC camps like the Jazz, Swim, and Robotics programs—highlighting their storytelling through imagery.
• Team collaboration. Students worked in small newsroom-style teams, taking on roles like reporter, editor, and photographer to simulate a real media production environment.
• Recreational and community activities. Evenings included trivia, sports, bowling, and movie nights, helping students relax and bond with peers from across the region.

You can view the CJI 2025 student-created packages and content through the CJI 2025 Stories & Broadcasts and the CJI 2025 Photo Album on Flickr.

CJI Daily Schedule

Every day at CJI balances focused classroom instruction with creative collaboration and downtime for fun campus activities. Students spend mornings and afternoons in workshops and labs, then enjoy time to relax, socialize, and explore USC’s campus.

Here’s a sample schedule (that may slightly vary, depending on weather or programming updates):

On Friday afternoon, families are invited to attend final presentations where students share the projects they’ve worked on throughout the week.

Carolina Journalism Institute Acceptance Rate

The Carolina Journalism Institute doesn’t share an official acceptance rate, but admission is considered selective since the program is part of the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series—a collection of enrichment programs designed for motivated and high-achieving middle and high school students.

Each CJI session is kept small to give participants plenty of personal attention and hands-on learning time with faculty from the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Because of this, spots in each track fill up quickly.

All applications are reviewed holistically, meaning grades, test scores, and overall interest in media and communications are considered together. While there’s no set acceptance percentage, students who apply early and meet the academic criteria usually have a strong chance of being admitted to their preferred journalism track.

Carolina Journalism Institute Application Deadline

Applications for the Carolina Journalism Institute 2026 will officially open on January 27, 2026, through the Carolina Master Scholars website. Since spots are limited, it’s a good idea to apply as soon as the registration portal opens.

CJI accepts students on a rolling basis, meaning applications are reviewed in the order they’re received until all seats are filled. However, there’s an early bird deadline of April 16, which gives you discounted tuition. Applying early also increases your chances of getting into your preferred track and gives you more time to arrange travel, payment, and forms.

Once you’ve submitted your application and the $200 non-refundable deposit, the review process typically takes about two to three weeks. You’ll receive an email notification once your application has been processed, along with next steps such as completing consent forms, housing details, and program reminders.

Carolina Journalism Institute Requirements

The Carolina Journalism Institute combines hands-on learning, small-group instruction, and real-world storytelling. Because of this personalized setup, admission is selective, and spaces are limited.

In this section, we’ll talk about what students need to know about eligibility, required documents, costs, and available scholarships.

Eligibility

CJI is open to:

• Middle and high school students (Grades 6–12) who are curious about journalism, storytelling, and digital media.
• Students interested in writing, photography, broadcasting, or media production—no prior journalism experience is needed.
• Learners who are ready to engage in both academic workshops and social campus activities at the University of South Carolina.

As part of the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series, applicants are typically high-achieving students who also meet one or more of these benchmarks:

• Maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher,
• Score at or above the 93rd percentile on a national reasoning or aptitude test, or the 94th percentile on a standardized achievement test, or
• Be recognized as gifted or talented through a qualified assessment.

Applications are reviewed holistically, taking into account academic performance, test results (if submitted), and interest in journalism or communication.

Required documents

Applications are submitted online through the Carolina Master Scholars (CMS) portal. You’ll need:

• Completed online application form. You’ll fill this in with your personal and academic information.
• Recent report card or transcript. This must be submitted in PDF format.
• Optional test scores. Examples include Duke TIP or standardized exams.
• $200 non-refundable deposit. This will be paid when you apply and applied toward your total program fee.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and spots are only guaranteed once payment and all materials are received.

After acceptance, students receive a follow-up email with details about housing, health forms, and check-in times. A complete Scholar Guide—including program logistics, what to bring, and contact details—is emailed in late May and again one week before the program begins.

Program costs

CJI offers three participation options so students can choose the format that works best for them:

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required with your application and is deducted from the total cost.

Students who apply by April 16, 2026, qualify for the Early Bird Discount—$75 off for residential participants or $50 off for commuter options.

Aside from discounts, the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series offers need-based partial scholarships each summer, made possible through support from campus and corporate sponsors.

Students enrolled in CJI may apply for:

• A $200 partial scholarship (for residential participants), or
• A $100 partial scholarship (for commuter participants).

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to families who demonstrate financial need. Each student may receive only one scholarship per summer, and promotional discounts cannot be combined with scholarship awards.

To apply, students should submit:

• A completed CMS paper application
• A recent report card or transcript
• A $200 deposit (credited toward your total if awarded)
• A copy of a parent or guardian’s 2023 or 2024 Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040) or other proof of income showing the number of dependents

Students who have already been accepted into a CMS program may still apply for a scholarship by submitting their acceptance forms along with the required income documentation.

Scholarship award notifications are sent by email, and any remaining balance must be paid by May 28, 2026 to confirm participation. Because funding is limited, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

How to Get Into the Carolina Journalism Institute

Getting into the Carolina Journalism Institute is a straightforward process—but because spaces are limited, it’s important to plan ahead and stay organized. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Apply through Carolina Master Scholars.

All CJI applicants apply through the Carolina Master Scholars website. You’ll need to create an account, select “Carolina Journalism Institute” from the course list, and upload your required materials.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot.

Have your documents ready before registration opens on January 27, 2026, since CJI often fills up within weeks of opening.

Step 2: Pay the deposit.

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of application. This payment confirms your interest and holds your spot while your application is being reviewed. You can pay online through the MarketPlace portal, which accepts electronic checks and major credit cards.

If you’re applying for a need-based scholarship, you’ll still need to submit the deposit, but the award (if granted) will be deducted from your total balance.

Step 3: Wait for your admission decision.

After submitting your application and deposit, you’ll typically hear back within two to three weeks. Accepted students receive an official email notification along with the next steps, such as completing health and consent forms and paying any remaining balance.

If your chosen track is full, you may be placed on a waitlist. Applicants who remain on the waitlist and are not admitted will have their deposit refunded.

Step 4: Complete required forms and final payment.

Once you’ve been accepted, keep an eye on your inbox for important follow-up emails from the CMS office. You’ll receive forms for medical information, parental consent, and emergency contacts, which must be completed within 10 business days of acceptance. The remaining tuition balance is due by May 28, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

Around late May, you’ll also receive the Scholar Guide, which includes campus maps, packing lists, and arrival details for check-in day.

Step 5: Prepare for your week at USC.

As the start date approaches, take some time to review the CJI daily schedule and plan what you’ll need for classes and activities. Bring a notebook, camera or smartphone for reporting projects, and comfortable clothing for both classroom sessions and recreational events.

During the week, you’ll attend morning and afternoon workshops focused on writing, photography, and video production, then unwind with evening activities like bowling, trivia, and movie nights.

Why Join the Carolina Journalism Institute?

Joining the Carolina Journalism Institute is a week of summer learning and immersive experience that combines storytelling, media production, and college life. Here’s why so many students describe it as one of the highlights of their academic journey:

1. Hands-on experience

CJI gives students the chance to become real reporters for the week. Instead of just learning theory, participants create original stories about the people and programs around them. Past students have covered Juneteenth celebrations, USC robotics and jazz camps, and swimming clinics—producing everything from written articles to multimedia and video packages.

By the end of the week, each participant walks away with published or portfolio-ready work that showcases their storytelling skills.

2. Professional mentorship

Every CJI activity is led by University of South Carolina journalism professors and media industry professionals who bring years of newsroom and broadcast experience. These mentors guide students, offering personalized feedback that helps young journalists grow in reporting, interviewing, and editing projects.

Students get to ask questions about college journalism programs, media careers, and the realities of working in the industry.

3. College readiness

Living on the USC campus gives students a real taste of college life. Residential participants stay in modern dorms such as Campus Village or the Honors Residence Hall, eat meals at the Honeycomb Café, and follow a student-style routine.

From navigating campus buildings to managing their schedule, participants experience what it’s like to live and learn as a college student—an invaluable preview for those planning to pursue communications or journalism degrees.

4. Skill development

CJI is designed to build both confidence and technical ability. Students practice essential journalism and media skills such as:

• Interviewing and reporting in real-world settings
• Videography and photography, including framing and editing techniques
• Writing for both digital and broadcast platforms
• Multimedia production, blending visuals, audio, and storytelling

By the end of the program, participants understand how to transform raw ideas into polished, publishable content—skills that carry over into school projects, internships, and future media studies.

5. Networking and community

More than just journalism, CJI is also about connection. Students meet peers who share their passion for storytelling and creativity, often forming friendships that last beyond camp week.

The sense of community extends to alumni as well. Many go on to major in journalism or communications—with some, like Maryann O’Neill from CJI 2024, continuing their journey right at USC’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the CJI?

The Carolina Journalism Institute is a week-long summer program at the University of South Carolina that introduces middle and high school students to the world of modern journalism. It includes hands-on workshops in writing, photography, video production, and digital storytelling.

2. Where does CJI take place?

CJI is hosted by the School of Journalism and Mass Communications on USC’s main campus in Columbia, South Carolina. Students take classes in the school’s state-of-the-art media facilities and enjoy campus amenities, including dining halls, dorms, and recreation spaces.

3. When is the next Carolina Journalism Institute?

The next session of CJI will take place in June 2026 (exact dates to be announced). Applications open on January 27, 2026, through the Carolina Master Scholars website. Because classes are small and fill up fast, applying early is strongly recommended.

4. How much does the program cost?

Program tuition depends on your participation type. The Commuter option is $665, the Commuter Plus option (which includes dinner and evening activities) is $750, and the Residential option—which includes dorm housing, all meals, and full-day programming—is $1,150.

5. Is admission to CJI competitive?

While CJI doesn’t publish an official acceptance rate, admission is selective because of the program’s small class sizes and personalized instruction. Applicants who maintain a solid academic record, demonstrate enthusiasm for storytelling or media, and submit their materials early typically have a strong chance of being admitted.

Takeaways

• The Carolina Journalism Institute gives students a real taste of the newsroom through hands-on reporting, photography, and multimedia projects that build both creativity and confidence.
• Participants experience college life firsthand—living in dorms, attending workshops in USC’s media labs, and collaborating with peers who share their passion for storytelling.
• With mentorship from university faculty and media professionals, students receive personalized guidance and industry insight that helps them grow as communicators.
• Each student leaves the program with a completed journalism project, which is an impressive addition to future portfolios or school publications.
• Beyond technical skills, CJI helps students develop teamwork, curiosity, and independence—qualities that make a strong impression in college applications. Strengthening these through good extracurricular planning can further help you build a well-rounded profile for admission success.