Leading the Way

The Sports Journalism Institute works with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). Our funders and partners include Associated Press Sports Editors, MLB.com, Disney, and the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Our graduates work in print, digital and television outlets around the country. Here are a few examples:

Jonathan Abrams
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04
Sports Reporter
The New York Times
Isabelle Khurshudyan
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13
Reporter
The Washington Post
Cameron Wolfe
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15
Reporter
NFL Network
Marcus Thompson
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98
Columnist
The Athletic
Darren Everson
'
95
Sports Reporter
The Wall Street Journal
Candace Buckner
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01
Columnist
The Washington Post
Paul Gutierrez
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94
Raiders Reporter
ESPN
Rachel Bachman
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94
Sports Enterprise Reporter
The Wall Street Journal
Malika Andrews
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16
Anchor/Reporter
ESPN

The experience

The Sports Journalism Institute is a nine-week training and internship program for college students interested in sports journalism careers.

The experience includes:

  • Eight weeks of professional experience at a paid internship in the sports department of a newsroom
  • A $500 scholarship upon successful completion of the program for students returning to college

Eligibility

Fourteen student journalists will be selected. Ideally, applicants should be college sophomores or juniors. Candidates will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated interest in sports journalism as a career and excellence on the required essay.

Eligibility is not limited to journalism majors.

application items

Applicants should submit the following items:

  • Application
  • A current college transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A professional-style photo (head shot)
  • A maximum of seven writing samples, all scanned into one singular PDF
  • An essay of no more than 500 words stating why he or she should be selected

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.