About Journalism Internships at the Student Press Law Center
Interested in improving your reporting and news writing skills while getting a taste of life in the nation’s capital? Would you like to cover legislation that affects thousands of journalists across the country, as well as important press freedom and freedom-of-information court cases? The Student Press Law Center has journalism internship positions available in its Washington, D.C.,-area office each school semester and during the summer. The internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent college graduates with experience in news writing and an interest in media law.
The SPLC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a source of legal assistance for the student media and the public, providing information on subjects ranging from libel and invasion of privacy to freedom-of-information law and censorship.
Journalism interns at the Student Press Law Center are a crucial component in the work of the SPLC. Interns research, write and help edit the Report, the Center’s magazine that chronicles student press law cases and controversies from around the country. Interns also write News Flashes and analysis pieces for the Center’s popular Web site. Those with an interest in video and multimedia are especially encouraged to apply, and help us create the images that will bring students’ censorship experiences to life.
But an SPLC internship isn’t all work. Interns join in issue-oriented seminars organized by the SPLC and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. In recent semesters, we’ve toured the New York Times Washington bureau, heard arguments at the Supreme Court, and met with the Washington Post’s legal staff.
We offer at least 2 full-time internships per semester, paying a living expense stipend of $3,500 for the term. Many interns arrange to receive academic credit from their college or university with the support of the SPLC.
To apply for an internship, send a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for working with the Student Press Law Center along with a resume, samples of your news writing and the names and telephone numbers of two professional or academic references.
The spring 2012 internship term will run from mid-January through early May. (Precise start and end dates can be adjusted to accommodate minor scheduling conflicts.)
Applications must be received by Oct. 17, 2011.
We also offer one unpaid, part-time position for a D.C.-area college student with flexible hours that can be structured for academic credit. Applications for this position will be accepted until filled.
Submit your application electronically to:
Brian Schraum, Publications Fellow
pubfellow@splc.org