The High School Journalism Institute (HSJI) is run by The Media School at Indiana University; its first session was held in 1947. Each summer it offers two five-day sessions on the Bloomington campus.
Students stay in IU residence halls and take one workshop track, such as reporting and writing, photojournalism, documentary filmmaking, podcasting, sportscasting or yearbook, taught in small groups by journalism instructors and professionals.
Benefits & funding
- Self-funded: $585 per five-day session covers instruction, on-campus lodging, supervision and a six-meal card; $1,240 for both sessions; $395 commuter rate.
- Need-based HSJI Opportunity Grants cover registration, housing and meals; travel stays the student’s cost.
- Rising seniors who excel at the workshop can receive $400–$500 toward attending IU the following fall.
Eligibility
- Rising high school freshmen through rising college freshmen (the Dow Jones News Fund directory says students who have completed 8th grade through high school seniors).
- No nationality or residence rule is published.
- The Magazine & Feature writing track requires at least one semester of journalism.
- Opportunity Grants: students entering grades 9–12 who could not attend without financial help.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“Rising high school freshmen through rising college freshmen are eligible to attend HSJI.” Eligibility
Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Register between January 15 and June 15; the 2026 deadline was June 15, 2026.
- 2Complete the online HSJI registration form, then set up an IU Conferences payment account, which reserves the place even if paying later.
- 3For an Opportunity Grant, submit the online grant application by April 15.
Program timeline
2026 registration closed
Jun 15, 2026
2026 sessions
Jul 6, 2026 to Jul 16, 2026
January 15
2027 registration opens
Opportunity Grant deadline
April 15
2027 sessions
Jul 12, 2027 to 07-16 and 07-18 to 07-22