American Indian Summer College
Journalism Program Accepting Nominations
VERMILLION, SD-- The Freedom Forum is accepting nominations for the 6th annual American Indian Journalism Institute, a three-week summer print journalism program at the University of South Dakota.
The free program, which is slated for June 4-23, is open to American Indian college students interested print journalism and have completed at least one year of college. The Freedom Forum, which shares offices with NAJA, will also accept applications from former AIJI participants seeking specialized instruction.
Institute graduates earn four hours of transferable college credit. AIJI graduates also receive a $500 stipend/scholarship from the Freedom Forum and a one-year NAJA membership. In addition, top AIJI graduates will receive paid internships at daily papers. More than two-dozen AIJI graduates received internships last summer.
"We're expanding and improving the curriculum this year to help prepare more Native Americans for journalism careers," said Jack Marsh, AIJI Director and Al Neuharth Media Center Executive Director. "Students will be able to return to AIJI a second or third year and take different courses."
For more information and to download an application, go to the Freedom Forum's Web site at Freedom Forum Applications. Students may nominate themselves, however, it is recommended that at least one letter should be from a teacher, counselor or elder. Nominations should explain why the student should be accepted into the program and how the student can be contacted.
Applications and nomination letters can be mailed to Jack Marsh, Executive Director, Al Neuharth Media Center, 555 Dakota St., Vermillion, SD 57069, or emailed to Janine Harris, assistant to the executive director, at Janine Harris. For questions, call (605) 677-5424.
AIJI is part of the Freedom Forum's commitment to increase employment diversity at daily newspapers. More than 120 Native American students have graduated from AIJI so far. Some NAJA members serve as mentors or instructors during the program.
The Freedom Forum, based in Arlington, Va., is a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to free press, free speech and free spirit for all people. The foundation focuses on three main priorities: newsroom diversity, the Newseum in Washington, D.C., and First Amendment issues.
AIJI graduates also eligible for NAJA's Student Projects, a weeklong summer workshop that trains Native students in print, TV, radio or the online news site production. Graduates are also eligible to join Rez Net News , an online Native American college newspaper, as paid journalists when they return to school. With only a few exceptions, reznetnews.org staff members are AIJI graduates.
AIJI forbids the use of alcohol, other intoxicants and illegal drugs at any time during the program. Violators will be dismissed from the institute.
Native American Journalist Association
Contents
January 2006 Reports
Last updated on January 25, 2006