The Multimedia Journalism Workshop (MJW) is a residential summer program run by the Alabama Scholastic Press Association at The University of Alabama since 1984. The Dow Jones News Fund directory lists it as the Multicultural Journalism Workshop.
A small group of students from across the US lives in UA dorms and produces news stories, video, photos and social content on deadline, coached by professional journalists, with field trips to historic sites in Tuscaloosa and the Black Belt region.
Benefits & funding
- No charge: housing, meals, field trips and instruction are provided.
- Travel to and from Tuscaloosa, including airfare, is the student’s own cost; pickup from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth airport can be arranged.
- Work is published in the MJW Journal and on the MJW website.
- The 2026 session ran June 7–13 (the directory calls it a 10-day program; the host’s home page says six days).
Eligibility
- Students entering 9th grade through their freshman year of college.
- Open to applicants from all backgrounds and locations; no nationality or residence rule is published.
- Aimed at students interested in journalism and media; all skill levels welcome.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Applications open January 1; the 2026 deadline was April 11 (Dow Jones News Fund directory).
- 2Submit the form with official transcripts and test scores, a 500-word essay, three writing or broadcast samples and an activities list.
- 3Include a signed recommendation from a principal, teacher, counselor or media professional on official letterhead.
Program timeline
2026 application deadline (passed)
Apr 11, 2026
2026 workshop
Jun 7, 2026 to Jun 13, 2026
2027 applications open
Jan 1, 2027