Apply to join us on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis from July 11-18, 2026. This program is open to students in Oregon and Southwest Washington with social, financial or individual circumstance that has given them a perspective that is underrepresented in professional journalism. The deadline to apply is May 4.

Before you begin, examine the eligibility section below, then gather or prepare the following materials.

Examples of work published through your student newspaper or other school media, if such programs are available at your school. We also welcome class assignments or personal projects that demonstrate your interest in writing or visual storytelling.
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or community mentor.
A one-page essay addressing this prompt:

Journalism benefits from many different backgrounds and perspectives, but not all students have the same pathway into the field. Describe how one or two experiences — in your family, school, community or identity — have shaped your perspective and influenced your interest in journalism. You may discuss opportunities you’ve lacked or perspectives you hope to bring.

If you encounter technical issues, please email enjus@oregonian.com to ensure your submission was received.

Eligibility

To be considered for the institute, a student must:

Initial here* Initial to attest to an interest in writing or visual storytelling, shown through any schoolwork, personal projects, or activities that reflect curiosity about journalism or storytelling — whether or not formal opportunities were available.

Initial here* Initial to attest to social, financial or individual circumstance that has given you a perspective that is underrepresented in professional journalism. This might include:

Life experiences that are substantially different from Oregon academic peers.
Being from a low-income household or a household with an educational attainment level of a high school diploma or less.
A disability or eligibility for special education services sometime during K-12.

Student information

Student Name*

First NameLast Name

Pronouns*

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Date of Birth*

Date

Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

High School*

FreshmanSophomoreJuniorSenior

T-Shirt Size*

School activities

YesNo

Who is your school's journalism instructor or adviser?

Please upload examples of your stories, photographs or other work for your school newspaper or other student media. If your school does not offer a student media program, upload any class assignments or personal projects that demonstrate your interest in writing or visual storytelling. If you do not have samples, you may leave this section blank.

Are you involved in other school activities? Please list them.

Essay

Write and upload a one-page essay addressing this topic:

Journalism benefits from many different backgrounds and perspectives, but not all students have the same pathway into the field. Describe how your experiences — in your family, school, community, or identity — have shaped your perspective and influenced your interest in journalism. You may discuss opportunities you’ve lacked or perspectives you hope to bring.

Upload your essay here.

Letter of recommendation

Upload a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or community mentor.

All information submitted here is my own work, factually accurate and honestly represented.I have reviewed this application with my parent or guardian and have obtained their permission to apply and participate if accepted.

Parent or Guardian Name*