Apply Now for the 2014 High School Journalism Workshop- Deadline Extended

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Deadline Extended -
Postmark by May 27, 2014

Apply Now for the June 22- 25, 2014 High School Journalism Workshop

Marshall University’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Marshall University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications has extended the deadline for its sixth High School Journalism Workshop to May 27, 2014 (postmarked). Thanks to generous contributions from The Herald-Dispatch and MU’s Division of Multicultural Affairs and Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, tuition and living expenses will be covered for students selected for participation in the program. Participants will study layout, design, photography, reporting, blogs, ethics and other aspects of journalism from faculty and other experts in the field. They will spend a full day with the staff of The Herald-Dispatch and shadow reporters, photographers and editors.

We seek applications from students with at least B grades, especially those with good communication skills, and those who will be in positions to improve their high school publications. Students with no high school publications but who have keen interest in journalism also are eligible. Applications from incoming, first-year Marshall University journalism students who want to jump-start their college careers also are encouraged. Incoming MU journalism students accepted for admission for the upcoming school year may skip most of the application process and submit only letters discussing their interest in the workshop (because their documents already are on file). 

The application procedure is explained at www.unitedhighschoolmedia.blogspot.com. Please contact Burnis Morris, Carter G. Woodson Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications, for additional information, at morrisb@marshall.edu:

Burnis Morris, Carter G. Woodson Professor

W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Marshall University

1 John Marshall Drive

Huntington, WV 25755

Instructions for Application

Please follow the steps below. Print your documents on standard business paper. You may not FAX your application, but feel free to SCAN and send your materials as a Microsoft Word attachment. There is no separate form to complete. (Incoming MU journalism students accepted for admission for the upcoming school year may skip most of the application process and submit letters of interest.) Send questions to Professor Burnis Morris -- morrisb@marshall.edu:

1. Write a letter of application indicating your interest in the workshop. There is no required length, but you should write enough to showcase your communication skills. Each of the sections below may constitute a paragraph.
            A. The application should begin with a salutation (Dear Professor Morris or Dear Selection Committee Members, etc.). The first paragraph should be a sentence stating that you are applying for one of the positions available in the high school journalism workshop. Include the name of your high school, your age and current year in school (such as sophomore, junior or senior).
            B. Paragraph 2: The next section of the essay should describe the level of your interest in the journalism workshop and how you would use the workshop experience to improve your high school publication. Indicate whether you are interested in journalism as a writer, photographer, editor or page designer.
            C. Paragraph 3: State your qualifications. Cite grades, awards and any experience you have working on a high school newspaper, yearbook staff or other work experience. If your experience is limited, explain how your strengths and abilities will lead you to success in the workshop.
             D. Paragraph 4: Discuss your maturity and personal responsibility. Can you handle living in a college dormitory for four days?

2. Provide one or more articles or photographs you have published anywhere. Include the publication’s name and publication date. You also may provide links to online material. If you have no published article or photograph to submit, include an essay you wrote for class as an example of your writing skills. If you publish a blog, include photocopies from your best posts and your blog address. (In this section of the application, you should state that you are enclosing such items.)

3. Indicate the best time to contact you to discuss your application. Include your e-mail address, home phone number and cell phone number.

4. Write a statement indicating you have the approval of your parent or guardian to attend the workshop. Saying “My parent approves this application” would work.

5. Sign your application and date it. Ask your parent or guardian to sign and date your application -- next to your signature.
6. Please attach the following items.
             A. Letter of support from a high school teacher (journalism, English, or other person who know you well).
             B. High school transcript.

Mail your documents to the following address
with a postmark of no later than May 27, 2014:
Selection Committee for Journalism Workshop

c/o Professor Burnis Morris

W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Marshall University

1 John Marshall Drive

Huntington, WV 25755