Opening Doors - Station Internship Program

🎯 Address Critical Coverage Gaps
Enhance your station's science, technology, and economics reporting with a dedicated intern focused on these vital community topics.

📈 Boost Your Newsroom Capacity
Add 30 hours per week of motivated, trained journalistic talent to your team—with PMJA providing substantial funding and your station administering payroll.

🌟 Recruit Tomorrow's Talent Today
Get first access to exceptional emerging journalists who could become your next great hire.

🤝 Strengthen Your Newsroom Team
Make meaningful progress on building an inclusive newsroom culture while supporting the next generation of public media professionals.

💰 Incredible Value
PMJA covers the majority of internship costs, with your station receiving substantial financial support plus a pipeline to diverse talent.

These aren't just any interns. Opening Doors participants are:

• Carefully Selected: Chosen from a competitive national applicant pool
• Leadership Trained: Completed a comprehensive 2-day leadership intensive before their internships
• Science Reporting Skilled: Received specialized science reporting training from SciLine
• Public Media Focused: Passionate about careers in public media journalism
• Mentorship Supported: Paired with professional mentors throughout the program
• Science/Tech/Economics Focused: Specifically interested in strengthening coverage in these critical areas

What They Bring to Your Station

• Fresh perspectives and diverse voices
• Enthusiasm for public media's mission
• Training in modern journalism skills and techniques
• Specific interest in science, technology, and economics reporting
• Commitment to producing high-quality content for your audience

Financial Support

• PMJA subsidizes the internship with substantial funding that your station administers through payroll
• Your station adds any difference if your market requires compensation above the PMJA-provided amount (for example, if PMJA provides $17/hour but your market requires $20/hour, you would add the $3/hour difference)

Professional Development

• Trained interns who arrive ready to contribute from day one
• Ongoing support with regular check-ins from PMJA program staff
• Skills training that your newsroom staff can join
• Connection opportunities with other station supervisors managing internships through dedicated communication channels

Content Production

• Portfolio of stories focused on science, technology, and economics
• Enhanced coverage of topics critical to your community
• Fresh story ideas and approaches from emerging journalists
• Multi-platform content spanning digital, audio, and social media

Networking and Recognition

• PMJA community connection with other innovative stations
• National recognition for your commitment to diversity and mentorship
• Recruitment advantage in attracting diverse talent

Station Requirements

✅ Current PMJA membership (maintained throughout internship period)
✅ Commitment to 16-week internship (30 hours/16 weeks between September 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026)
✅ Dedicated supervision with regular mentorship and feedback
✅ Focus on science, technology, or economics reporting
✅ Payroll processing capability and commitment to living wage
✅ Welcoming, inclusive environment for emerging journalists

Ideal Partner Stations

• Newsrooms committed to inclusive practices and welcoming emerging journalists
• Stations with science/tech/economics coverage needs or growth opportunities
• Teams excited about mentorship and professional development
• Organizations ready to invest in the next generation of public media talent

Timeline

• July 20 - August 30 - Station applications accepted
• September - Applications reviewed and station-student matching begins
• September 30 - Selected stations notified
• October 1 - July 31 - 16-week internship period (based on station-student agreement)
• August 31 - Final station reports due to PMJA

Application Process

1. Submit application detailing your station's capacity and plans
2. Demonstrate commitment to local science, technology, or economics reporting
3. Outline supervision structure and mentorship approach
4. Describe housing support (especially important for locations outside major metropolitan areas)

Student Matching

• Students have expressed preferences for these locations and their surrounding areas including:

• Stations outside these preferred areas are welcome to apply but must provide a comprehensive housing assistance plan demonstrating how they will help interns secure safe, affordable housing.
• Final matches consider subject matter alignment, geographic preferences, and mutual fit

Station Support

• Virtual orientation for all participating stations
• Regular check-ins with PMJA program staff
• Opportunity for resource sharing and best practices from other stations
• Skills training opportunities for your newsroom staff

What PMJA Provides

• Station stipend covering majority of intern salary ($6,000 per intern)
• Student travel/relocation support for students moving for internships
• Program management and ongoing support throughout the internship

Station Responsibilities

• Payroll processing and tax withholding for the intern
• Living wage commitment as defined by PMJA guidelines
• Optional market differential if your area requires higher compensation
• Any costs beyond the PMJA stipend amount

Q: What if we don't have strong science/tech/economics coverage currently?
A: Perfect! This program is designed both for stations looking to grow in these areas AND those wanting to strengthen existing coverage. Your application should focus on your community's needs, how the intern will help develop or enhance this coverage and how you will support the intern in doing so.

Q: Can small stations participate?
A: Absolutely! We're seeking a diverse mix of station sizes and markets. Small stations often provide incredible hands-on learning opportunities.

Q: What if we're not in a major metropolitan area?
A: Rural and smaller market stations are encouraged to apply. You may need to provide a detailed housing assistance plan, but many students are open to different geographic experiences.

Q: How much supervision time is required?
A: We recommend weekly one-on-one meetings between intern and supervisor, plus integration into regular editorial meetings and newsroom activities. The investment in mentorship pays dividends in content production and potential future hiring.

Q: What happens if the intern doesn't work out?
A: PMJA provides ongoing support throughout the internship. With proper planning, clear expectations, and regular communication, issues can usually be resolved quickly.

This is your chance to:

• ✨ Access exceptional emerging talent at minimal cost
• 🚀 Enhance your station's coverage in critical areas
• 🌟 Make a lasting impact on the future of public media
• 💪 Strengthen your newsroom while supporting diversity

Questions? Contact us at training@pmja.org