Here’s a list of local and national internships, fellowships, learning opportunities and contests with application deadlines from Jan. 18 through March. They are listed order of when applictions are due, soonest to latest. For more information or to apply, click on the links!
-
- The New York Times Learning Network is inviting teens ages 13–19 to enter Local Lens: A Photo Essay Contest. Participants are challenged to create a six-to-eight image photo essay that captures a meaningful aspect of the place where they live, accompanied by brief written context. Learn more and submit here by January 14.
- The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) has application open for its spring national journalism fellowship for high school-age Jewish teenagers. Applications are invited from students 15-18 interested in reporting the news of their community through a Jewish teen lens. “We are defining ‘community’ loosely here – school, neighborhood, identity, culture, hobbies,” the announcement states. “We want to hear how these parts of your life intersect with your Judaism and age-group.” For more details and application link, click here. The fellowship is remote, and applications are due Jan. 18.
- JTA is also seeking applicants for its New York Jewish Week Teen Journalism Fellowship. Participants will gain real-world journalism experience while working with professional editors. The program will run from January to May 2026, and fellows will be paid a $100 gift card for each story they publish. Jewish high schoolers ages 15-18 are eligible. Learn more and apply here by Jan. 18.
- C-SPAN is accepting submissions for its StudentCam Documentary Competition. Middle and high school students working independently and in teams may submit a 5–6 minute documentary exploring the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence, for the chance to win up to $5,000. Submit here by January 20.
- The Apollo Theater is hosting MLK Young Changemakers TL; DR, a free panel and community event held at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on January 19. Young advocates and leaders will come together for a discussion inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, exploring education, media literacy, and how young people can drive change in their communities. RSVP here.
- Princeton University is accepting applications for the Princeton Summer Journalism Program. This free program is open to high-achieving high school juniors from lower-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism. Students will complete a hybrid journalism intensive during the summer after junior year and work one-on-one with a dedicated college adviser during their senior academic year. Apply here by January 26.
- DePaul University is accepting submissions for Best American High School Writing, published in DePaul’s Blue Book. This annual anthology features outstanding English and Spanish writing from high school literary magazines, newspapers, and individual students (including poetry, short stories, essays, and visual art). Learn more and submit here by January 31.
- Civics Unplugged is accepting applications for its Civic Innovators Fellowship. Current high school students may apply for this free, eight-week virtual program exploring civic innovation issues. Upon completing the fellowship, participants gain funding and a supportive network along with exclusive access to Civic Innovation Academies and the Civic Innovation Lab. Apply here by January 31.
- The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is accepting applications from current high school juniors. Selected students will attend a fully funded, five-day summer program in Washington, D.C., where they will dive into journalism and multimedia storytelling, connect with leading media professionals, and build lasting networks with fellow aspiring journalists. Participants also receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Apply here by March 15.
- Uptown Stories is offering writing workshops for young writers. Topics include poetry, pop culture criticism, fiction writing, and more. Elementary, middle, and high school students are eligible to participate. Learn more and view current workshops here.
