AIM Youth Journalism Initiative

AIM believes that Arlington’s youth have incredibly important and valuable perspectives on the world that deserve to be heard. We’re looking for a diverse, motivated group of high school students to help us build a brand new program that will get teenagers out into our community, asking questions, making connections with the wider world, telling the stories that matter most to them, and publishing their work. Here’s how to get involved…

Monthly Journalism Club

Think of this club as your entry point into the world of journalism and media. Get together with other students in Arlington for monthly workshops on finding stories, interviewing, podcasting, mobile video production, fact checking, editing, journalism ethics, and more! Further down the road, we hope to offer Q&As with working journalists and site visits to places like NPR and the Washington Post. All Arlington students ages 14-19 are invited. No journalism experience needed, newcomers welcome.

Meetings are typically held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Wakefield High School Library, 4:30-6:30pm. Save your spot at our next meeting by registering via Eventbrite

Summer 2023 Youth Journalism Internship

About the internship:

For students ready to jump in with two feet, this intensive program will give you the real-world, hands-on experience of making local media. Come ready with a few story ideas, and we’ll give you the training and support to help you produce a couple short nonfiction multimedia pieces (video, photo, audio, or written). This program is rigorous and requires a six week, 15 hr/wk commitment, about half of which will be spent on site at AIM’s Green Valley location. Teens are expected to work both independently and collaboratively with peers, and to be on the hunt for stories and issues in their community and the world around them.

What You’ll Get:

Students who give it their all will leave the program with media pieces for their portfolio, a cool experience on their resume, community service hours (if needed), a reference/letter of recommendation for future opportunities, and all sorts of cool new connections in their local community.

Eligibility Requirements:

● Youth ages 14-19 who live in Arlington or surrounding areas (Falls Church, etc)

● Interest in news media (online, audio, video). Journalism or media experience not required

● Able to meet on site twice a week at the Arlington Cultural Affairs Building (Green Valley)

● We are specifically looking to build a diverse fellowship cohort that represents ALL of Arlington. We encourage teens of all backgrounds, identities, genders, and cultures to apply. (We define diversity broadly–think language/cultural/racial diversity, but also economic diversity, gender and neurodiversity, or even an unconventional life experience.) Special priority will be given to students from communities who have historically been underserved or underrepresented by mainstream media, or who speak a language other than English at home.

Schedule:

● Application deadline April 30th, decisions by May 15th

● Internship runs July 10th-August 16th, 2023

● Interns are expected to attend in person Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-2pm, for workshops and editorial meetings

● Additionally, students are expected to dedicate another 5-7 hrs/wk on their own schedule reporting, researching, recording and editing stories, or meeting with their teammates/instructor.

Questions, pitches, or just want to chat? Email [email protected].