The Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop, offered by the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, is one of the nation’s longest-running programs for high school students. It provides hands-on experience in writing, reporting, photography, and media production.
This blog covers everything you need to know: what’s included, how to apply, deadlines, cost, and what it takes to get accepted. If you’re curious about journalism or media, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
- What Is the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop?
- Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop Acceptance Rate
- Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop Application Deadline
- Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop Requirements
- How to Get Into the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop
- Why Join the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop?
The Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop is a five-day intensive journalism program for high school students at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. In 2025, the program will run from July 13 to 17.
This workshop has been running since 1946, making it one of the oldest high school journalism programs in the country. Over the years, it’s helped thousands of students sharpen their reporting, writing, and media production skills.
You’ll attend expert-led sessions, get hands-on training with equipment, and even earn college credit if you want. The program includes meals, housing, and full access to all workshop activities for a registration fee of $450.
If you’re interested in earning one hour of college credit, you can add that option for an extra $50. To receive credit, you’ll need to complete two written assignments: a book report and a reflection about your workshop experience, and make sure you attend every session during the program. This is a great chance to get a head start on college-level work while building your journalism skills.
Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop Acceptance Rate
The Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop does not publish an official acceptance rate. But if you care about journalism and are ready to learn, you have a solid shot.
The workshop is open to high school students from rising sophomores to recent graduates. That means if you just finished your freshman year, or if you recently graduated and are heading to college this fall, you can still apply.
You do not need to be the editor of your school paper or have professional experience. What matters most is your interest in journalism and your effort in the application. If you’ve written articles, helped with the school yearbook, created videos, or explored storytelling in other ways, those experiences can strengthen your application.
Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop Application Deadline
To be considered for the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop, you need to submit your application by Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. There is no rolling admission, so everyone is reviewed after the deadline. That means you will likely hear back soon once registration closes.
Here are the important dates to keep in mind:
| Key Date | Details |
| Application Deadline | Friday, June 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. |
| Program Start Date | Sunday, July 13, 2025 |
| Program End Date | Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
| College Credit Work Due | At the end of the workshop |
Make sure you plan so you have time to fill out the application, prepare any writing samples, and decide whether you want to earn college credit. The sooner you get it done, the less you’ll have to stress about it later.
Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you understand what you need to join the workshop. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you are:
- A rising sophomore
- A rising junior
- A rising senior
- A recent high school graduate
The program is designed for students like you who are interested in exploring journalism, whether you’re just starting out or already writing for your school newspaper.
Required documents
There are no writing samples or essay questions required to apply for the workshop. If you are interested in earning college credit, you will need to complete two written assignments: a book report and a workshop reflection, as part of the credit requirement. You also need to attend all workshop sessions to receive the credit.
Program costs
The cost to register for the workshop is $450. That covers:
- Housing in a university residence hall
- Meals in the campus dining hall
- Instruction from experiences professionals
- Access to equipment
- All workshop activities
If you want to earn college credit, you can add that option for $50. To earn the credit, you will need to:
- Attend all the sessions
- Complete two written assignments (a book report and a reflection paper about your experience during the workshop)
Scholarships are offered through the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the Scripps Howard Inclusion Enhancement Fund to support students from diverse backgrounds. However, the deadline to apply was June 1, 2025, so unfortunately, scholarships are no longer available for this year. If you’re planning for a future session, this is something to keep in mind.
How to Get Into the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop
Applying to the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop is a simple process, and you do not need years of experience to be considered. Here is a clear step-by-step breakdown to help you understand how to get in and what to expect:
Step 1: Make sure you are eligible.
You can apply if you are a high school student who will be a sophomore, junior, or senior next school year. You are also welcome to apply if you just graduated and are heading to college this fall.
You do not need to be on your school’s newspaper or have a portfolio of published work. If you enjoy writing, taking photos, making videos, or even just asking good questions, this is a space where you will feel right at home.
Step 2: Fill out the application.
Once you know you are eligible, the next step is to complete the online registration form. The process is quick and straightforward; no essays or writing samples are required.
You will enter your name, birthday, home address, and contact details for you and a parent or guardian. The form also asks about your school, grade level, any dietary or mobility needs, and how you plan to get to campus.
If you want to earn college credit, check that option and plan to send a transcript later.
You will also rank your top choices for tracks like podcasting, sports writing, visual storytelling, and more. Remember to select your T-shirt size before submitting. Take your time and give thoughtful responses.
Step 3: Decide if you want college credit.
You have the option to earn one hour of college credit during the workshop for an additional $50.
To receive credit, you will need to complete two assignments: a book report and a reflection on your experience in the program. You must also attend every session throughout the workshop to qualify.
If you are thinking about studying journalism or communication in college, this is a great way to get a head start. Having that credit on your transcript can show colleges that you are serious about your interests and willing to take on extra challenges.
Plus, completing the assignments gives you a chance to reflect on what you learned and what inspired you most during the week.
Step 4: Submit everything before the deadline.
All applications are due by Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application so you are not rushing at the last minute. When you take care of it early, you will feel less stressed and more prepared for what comes next.
Once you hit submit, you can start getting excited about the possibility of joining a group of students who are just as passionate about journalism as you are.
Why Join the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop?
If you’re thinking about a future in journalism or media, this workshop is one of the best ways to explore it firsthand. Hosted by the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism—one of the top programs in the country—you’ll get a full, immersive experience that blends hands-on learning with real-world insight.
1. Learn from professionals who’ve lived the job.
Your instructors are seasoned journalists, media professionals, and professors with years of experience in the field. Many are alumni of Ohio University who return to share the lessons they’ve learned in newsrooms, studios, and agencies. Some are retired reporters; others are actively working in journalism today.
You’ll also hear from Scripps faculty, including Mark Turner, co-director of the workshop. Throughout the week, you’ll sit in on sessions covering topics like investigative reporting, media ethics, data journalism, and diversity in storytelling. You’ll even participate in a mock press conference with the mayor of Athens, asking the kinds of questions working journalists tackle every day.
2. Practice real journalism from day one.
Choose one of eight tracks: news writing, podcasting, broadcast, sports reporting, magazine writing, public relations, publication design, or visual storytelling. Then dive in and start creating.
You’ll report on real events, interview real people, and produce actual stories, podcasts, videos, or designs. Want to research and record a podcast episode? You’ll do it. Want to write a profile of a local athlete or film a sports segment? You’ll do that too.
3. Connect with other creative, driven students.
You’ll join a community of students from across the country who are just as passionate about storytelling as you are. You’ll work together on projects, share ideas, and live in campus dorms for the week. In the evenings, unwind with new friends—maybe catch a movie at the Athena Cinema or a Copperheads baseball game.
By the end of the workshop, you might walk away with a new friend group, a podcast partner, or even a future college roommate.
4. Experience life on a college campus.
Spend five days living and learning on the Ohio University campus in Athens. Eat in dining halls, attend sessions in professional media labs, and explore what college life is really like.
Many students say this glimpse into campus living helped them figure out whether journalism or media is the right path. It’s also a great way to build confidence, practice independence, and learn to manage your time in a new environment.
5. Earn college credit doing something meaningful.
If you attend all sessions and complete two short assignments—a book report and a reflection paper—you can earn one hour of college credit from Ohio University for just $50.
It’s a small step with big impact: the credit looks great on college applications and resumes, and it shows you’re serious about your goals and willing to put in the work to reach them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can join the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop?
You can join if you are a rising sophomore, junior, or senior, or if you just graduated from high school. If you’re in high school or just wrapped it up and love storytelling, writing, or media, you’re eligible. You do not need a ton of experience, just genuine interest and the motivation to learn.
2. What does the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop offer?
During the workshop, you’ll work on hands-on projects in areas like podcasting, sports writing, visual storytelling, or public relations. You’ll pick your favorite track, and by the end of the week, you’ll have something cool to show, like a podcast episode, a feature article, or a short video.
3. How much does it cost to join the Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop?
The cost to register is $450, and that covers your meals, housing, sessions, equipment, and all the fun extras. If you want to earn college credit, you can pay an extra $50 and complete two short assignments: a book report and a reflection on what you learned. Scholarships for this year are closed, but if you’re planning for next year, there are options to help cover the cost.
Takeaways
- The Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop is hosted by the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, one of the best in the country, so you can be confident it’s the real deal.
- You don’t need to be the editor of your school newspaper to attend. If you care about storytelling and are eager to learn, you’ve got a solid shot at being accepted.
- By completing two short assignments—a book report and a reflection—you can earn one hour of college credit.
- You’ll meet other students who are just as passionate about writing and media as you are. By the end of the week, you’ll walk away with new skills—and probably some new friends, too.
- A college admissions expert can help you align your projects and experiences with the values top schools seek, crafting a compelling narrative that will boost your chances of acceptance.
