The Department of Journalism and Media Studies & SC&I are co-sponsoring the 2017 Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop for New Jersey high school students, which will take place at Rutgers University School of Communication and Information from July 22-30, 2017.

The Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop is a nine-day program that teaches New Jersey high school students the basics of multimedia news gathering. Photos, videos and stories from last year’s workshop can be found at: boydjournalismworkshop.wordpress.com.

This workshop is the revival of a workshop founded in 1979 by noted journalist Chuck Stone. This year the Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop’s sponsors include the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information's Journalism and Media Studies Department, the Media + Public Interest Initiative, the New Jersey Press Association Foundation and the Garden State Scholastic Press Association.

During the workshop, participants will live in university housing for their entire stay; learn about news and feature writing; learn to write for the web, including blogging; prepare photos, slide shows, and videos for the web; attend editing sessions with professional journalists, and work together to publish a workshop webzine.

Admission is competitive. All students selected will receive a full scholarship to the program that covers all costs including room and board.

Applicants will need to submit:

• The completed application form, downloadable here;
• An official transcript or copy of latest grades;
• A letter of recommendation from a school counselor, teacher, or community leader who is unrelated to the applicant;
• A typed 150 -200 word essay explaining your interest in the workshop;
• And two writing samples (which can include news stories, term papers, short stories, or blog posts).

Applicants will be selected based on:

• Writing skills
• Academic and behavioral performance in school
• Recommendation letter
• Student essay explaining interest in workshop

Consideration will also be given to students who receive or are eligible for free or reduced breakfast or lunch under SBP, NSLP or SNAP.

Submissions should be emailed as a single attachment to the workshop director, Karyn Collins, at karyn.collins@rutgers.edu. Submissions will be accepted until May 1, 2017.

The Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop for New Jersey students is free for those selected to participate!