CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop 2026

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR 2026. THANK YOU!

Join Us This Summer

High school students may choose from 12 in-person or online journalism workshops this summer. CSPA offers two week-long, in-person workshops in June on the Columbia campus, as well as three distinct virtual sessions in July.

The workshop is intended for secondary school students and teachers from schools in the U.S. and international schools following an American plan of education.

The Program

The annual Summer Journalism Workshop (SJW) is organized by CSPA and hosted by Columbia University. Our workshops include in-person and virtual instruction on reporting and writing, editorial leadership, digital media, design, and broadcast.

News Reporting and Writing (In-Person: June 21-26 or June 28-July 3, 2026; Virtual: July 13-17 or July 20-24, 2026) The group will focus on the basics of newspaper writing and reporting for news and feature articles. This course will help students develop a solid skillset in reporting and writing, enabling them to make a strong contribution to their publications.

Advanced News Reporting and Writing (In-Person: June 21-26, 2026) For students who already have a good handle on news and feature writing for their publications, this course will expand what you already know by teaching advanced interview and research techniques that narrative writers and investigative reporters use, how to write detailed stories for every section of the paper, and look at alternative story forms that can enhance your publications.

Editorial Leadership (In-Person: June 21-26 or June 28-July 3, 2026; Virtual: July 13-17, 2026) This class is appropriate for experienced or rising leaders from any news staff—print-only, online-only, and hybrid print/online publications. During the week, expect to work individually, in a small group, and as a member of the large group to share and exchange ideas, to solve problems, and to draft materials for use back at school. Come prepared to talk, to contribute, and to engage in dialogue with your peers from around the country.

Design Concepts  (In-Person: June 21-26, 2026) In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of storytelling in both print and digital environments, and how to make an impact in any medium. You will explore how different platforms present unique opportunities for news and design and how print and digital channels can complement each other. 

News Redesign (Virtual: July 6-10, 2026) In this beginning to intermediate design class, students from all publications will engage in an intense study and practice of basic design concepts including but not limited to design inspiration, appeal to emotion, marriage of elements, photography, type, dominance, design hierarchy, scale and relationship, negative space, photo packaging, mods, and infographics.

Digital Media (In-Person: June 21-26, 2026) Advance your journalism skills by learning the foundational digital media tools for backpack journalism. Learn how to tell the story from start to finish while curating content that compels your audience to engage. Strengthen your skills in essential platforms while increasing your efficiency and flow. This class will help you develop your photojournalist skills and strengthen your ability to make reels. This course trains confidence and competency in multiple media skills. 

Broadcast Journalism (In-Person: June 28-July 3, 2026) Learn the fundamentals of creating news for radio, television, and online platforms, including research, writing, interviewing, video production, and editing. Students will learn the history, ethics, and legal aspects of broadcasting while gaining hands-on experience with equipment to produce news packages, segments, and even full news shows. Key skills developed include on-air announcing, scriptwriting, digital video editing, and meeting deadlines.

Instructors

Headshots courtesy of instructors.