Top 11 Writing Internships for High School Students in 2025–2026

Most high school students applying to selective colleges submit the same catalog of achievements: strong grades, high test scores, club leadership positions. Writing internships cut through that sameness. They show admissions officers that you’ve worked under editorial oversight, met publication deadlines, and held yourself to professional standards. Unlike school newspapers or personal blogs, these programs operate like actual newsrooms and literary organizations, with editors, revision cycles, and public accountability for your work.

This guide features 11 credible writing internships for high school students. Each offers structured mentorship, publishable outcomes, and the kind of formative pressure that shapes how you think, not just how you write.

• What Are the Best Writing Internships for High School Students?
• Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
• Northwestern Medill Cherubs
• The School of The New York Times NYC Summer Academy
• LA Times High School Insider Internship
• Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
• HarperCollins Publishing Internships
• JCamp (Asian American Journalists Association)
• Project Write Now Teen Internship
• Energy Mag Internship
• CLARIFY Program at City Limits
• Pasquines Writing Internship
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Writing Internships for High School Students?

The writing internships below span journalism, publishing, investigative reporting, and community storytelling. Some are tuition-free and highly selective, and others are paid or offer stipends. Either way, they all provide credible training pathways for students serious about writing, media, law, policy, business, or the humanities.

Each program below is evaluated for rigor, selectivity, learning outcomes, and long-term value for students preparing for top-tier universities.

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)

• Dates: June–August 2026
• Location: Princeton University, New Jersey
• Benefits: Free residential, meals, and transportation expenses; intensive editorial feedback and revision practice

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is designed for high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism, writing, public policy, or law.

The program runs for approximately ten days and is fully residential. Students participate in intensive writing workshops, reporting assignments, lectures, and newsroom-style editing sessions led by professional journalists and educators. The format emphasizes daily deadlines and revision.

Applicants must be current high school juniors. The application includes essays, transcripts, recommendations, and writing samples. Acceptance rates are typically below five percent, making PSJP one of the most selective programs on this list.

Interested in joining this program? Read our Princeton Summer Journalism Program guide to boost your application.

2. Northwestern Medill Cherubs

• Dates: June 28 to July 24, 2026
• Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
• Benefits: Tuition fee-based program ($5,000 for the four weeks); scholarships (Joan Beck Journalism Scholarship, Mary Lou Song Scholarship) are available

Medill Cherubs is a five-week summer journalism program aimed at high school students interested in writing, media, communications, or business storytelling. It serves students who want structured, professional-level writing training before college.

The program is residential and operates in an immersive, classroom-based format. Students complete frequent writing assignments, participate in newsroom simulations, and attend lectures on journalism ethics, reporting, and media practices.

Applicants typically include rising juniors and seniors. Admission is selective, though prior journalism experience is not required. Medill does not publish official acceptance rates, but the slots are limited.

Check out our complete guide to the Medill Cherubs if you want intensive journalism sessions with professionals.

3. The School of The New York Times NYC Summer Academy

• Dates: Term 1: June 7-19, 2026; Term 2: June 21 – July 3, 2026; Term 3: July 5-17, 2026; Term 4: July 19-31, 2026
• Location: New York City
• Benefits: Fee-based program (Day Program: $6,195; Residential Program: $7,695)

The NYC Summer Academy is designed for high school students interested in writing, journalism, media, or communications. Its goal is to introduce students to professional storytelling and reporting practices through focused short-term programs.

Sessions run two to four weeks and are held in person in Manhattan. The format is workshop-driven, combining lectures, writing assignments, group critique, and editorial review. Students choose specialized tracks such as opinion writing or investigative journalism.

Applicants must be aged fifteen to eighteen. Admission is moderately selective and based on an application and a writing sample. Financial aid is available.

Want to explore other journalism internships? Check out our list of journalism internship programs.

4. LA Times High School Insider Internship

• Dates: June to August 2026
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Benefits: Paid internship of $16.90 per hour, with publication opportunities

The LA Times High School Insider Internship is intended for students interested in journalism, reporting, and digital media. The program focuses on youth-centered storytelling and real newsroom participation.

The internship typically runs for eight weeks on a part-time basis. Students pitch story ideas, conduct interviews, and write articles under the guidance of Los Angeles Times editors. Published work appears on the High School Insider.

Applicants submit writing samples and demonstrate interest in reporting. The program is highly selective, with limited spots available each year.

5. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

• Dates: 2026 Dates TBA
• Location: Boston University, Massachusetts
• Benefits: Fee-based program

The Boston University Summer Journalism Academy is designed for high school students exploring journalism or writing-intensive academic paths. The program introduces students to professional reporting and feature writing in a university setting.

The academy runs for three weeks and is residential. Students attend lectures, participate in workshops, and complete field reporting assignments throughout Boston.

The program requires:

• Textbook. Inside Reporting by Tim Harrower, available in print or digital formats for purchase or rental through retailers. On-campus students may also borrow a hard copy from the program.
• Technology. A computer with a reliable broadband internet connection, along with audio and video capabilities for virtual meetings.
• Phone access. Required for conducting interviews with sources and story subjects.

The program is open to students without prior journalism experience.

6. HarperCollins Publishing Internships

• Dates: 2026 Spring and Summer Applications Go Live: September 22, 2025; 2026 Spring and Summer Applications deadline: October 10, 2025
• Location: New York City and virtual options
• Benefits: Paid internship at a major publishing company

HarperCollins Publishing Internships are aimed at students interested in writing, publishing, editorial work, and communications. The program introduces students to professional writing within a corporate publishing environment.

In addition to its structured summer internship program, HarperCollins offers a paid 10-week spring internship designed to give students hands-on exposure to a specific area of publishing. The spring internship is project-based rather than classroom-driven and requires a commitment of 21 hours per week across three or four days, with schedules coordinated between the intern and hiring manager. Roles may be based in different locations, depending on the department.

HarperCollins looks for candidates who show genuine interest in the publishing industry, active involvement in school or extracurricular activities related to books or media, and basic administrative or office experience. A clear enthusiasm for reading and learning about how books are made is essential.

Selected applicants can expect virtual, behavior-based interviews, which also give candidates the chance to ask questions and better understand the role and team.

7. JCamp (Asian American Journalists Association)

• Dates: June 20-26, 2026
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Benefits: Unpaid but major costs covered

JCamp is a tuition-free national journalism program for high school students interested in reporting, media ethics, and leadership. It targets students who want to understand journalism’s role in society.

The program runs for several days and is held in person. Students participate in workshops, newsroom simulations, and reporting projects led by professional journalists. Admission is highly selective, with approximately forty students admitted nationwide each year.

Applications typically include a recommendation letter, a brief introduction video lasting about 60–90 seconds, and responses to two essay prompts, along with several short-answer questions.

Do you want to make your JCamp internship application more competitive? Check out our comprehensive JCamp guide.

8. Project Write Now Teen Internship

• Dates: Year-round and summer sessions
• Location: New Jersey and virtual
• Benefits: Unpaid internship

Project Write Now is designed for students who are serious about improving their writing craft. It serves aspiring writers interested in creative nonfiction, journalism, and editorial work. Internship options include:

• Teaching Assistant. Assist instructors in youth summer writing programs, help design lesson plans, and teach writing workshops. Limited to eight participants. Open only to students living in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
• Editorial Assistant. Support content creation for marketing and the Project Write Now website, contribute to blogs and book recommendations, and help manage the teen literary magazine Bridge Ink. Interns also join editorial meetings to shape programming. Limited to ten participants.
• The Interview Project. Conduct and write narrative interviews inspired by Humans of New York. Training covers interviewing, detail selection, and storytelling. Finished pieces are published in Bridge Ink. Interviews may be conducted in person or virtually. Limited to ten participants.

The internship is workshop-based and runs either during the academic year or the summer. Admission is selective and portfolio-based.

9. Energy Mag Internship

• Dates: Quarter-time placements (1-9 months) offered year-round, including fall
• Location: Virtual
• Benefits: Unpaid internship

EnergyMag is one of the fall internships for high school students that offers a remote research experience centered on battery storage, energy innovation, and renewable energy markets. Participants work on literature reviews, technology assessments, and industry-focused reports with guidance from an editor or research mentor. The flexible, low-hour commitment suits students who want meaningful research exposure without a fixed weekly schedule.

As a virtual research internship, the program is closely connected to rapidly developing sustainability and clean energy trends. Students gain insight into how renewable technologies progress from early research to real-world implementation.

10. CLARIFY Program at City Limits

• Dates: June to September 2026; September to December 2026
• Location: New York City
• Benefits: Paid internship

The CLARIFY Program is an investigative journalism internship focused on public policy and social justice reporting. It serves students interested in accountability journalism.

Offered during summer and fall sessions, the program places students in an actual newsroom environment where they report on local NYC issues under the guidance of professional journalists. Interns work collaboratively on public service stories that may be published in City Limits and a student-produced newsletter.

CLARIFY is open to students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who demonstrate a strong interest in writing and community issues. Admission is selective and requires full participation across all sessions.

11. Pasquines Writing Internship

• Dates: Year-round
• Location: New York City
• Benefits: Unpaid internship; volunteer work

Pasquines Writing Internship is a virtual, unpaid writing internship for high school students interested in politics, public affairs, and opinion writing. Interns support research, reporting, and commentary projects while developing persuasive writing and editorial skills in a fast-paced digital environment.

While Pasquines does not offer financial compensation, the organization supports interns seeking college credit and provides flexibility through rolling admissions and indefinite placement terms. Interns are expected to work independently, contribute ideas, collaborate with a distributed team, and demonstrate strong attention to detail and interest in civic issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered the most prestigious writing internship?

Programs such as the Princeton Summer Journalism Program and JCamp are widely viewed as the most prestigious due to their selectivity, funding, and alumni outcomes.

2. Do these programs require previous writing knowledge?

Most writing internships for high school students do not require formal writing experience, but strong writing samples and a clear interest are expected.

3. Are there virtual internship options available in 2026?

Yes. Programs like Energy Mag and HarperCollins offer remote opportunities that allow students to participate from anywhere.

4. How competitive are high school writing internships?

Top programs often accept fewer than ten percent of applicants. Strong essays, recommendations, and writing samples matter. Many programs also look for sustained commitment to writing, such as school publications, independent projects, or community reporting. Demonstrated curiosity, revision discipline, and the ability to meet deadlines can set applicants apart in highly selective pools.

5. Can writing internships improve my college application?

Yes. Sustained writing experience demonstrates academic readiness, intellectual curiosity, and communication skills valued by selective colleges.

Takeaways

• Writing internships for high school students offer early access to professional standards, mentorship, and real audiences.
• Highly selective programs, such as the PSJP and Northwestern Medill Cherubs, carry significant weight in college admissions, especially for humanities-focused applicants.
• The strongest internships emphasize revision, editorial accountability, and publication outcomes.
• Choosing the right program depends on your goals, whether journalism, publishing, policy, or analytical writing.
• If you want help identifying the right writing internship and shaping your application strategy, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program provides one-on-one guidance tailored to competitive college admissions.