The Detroit Writing Room runs a two-week summer journalism day camp at Wayne State University in Detroit. High school students report and write on issues in their own neighbourhoods, with a focus on climate, health and the environment, coached by more than 30 Detroit journalists and writing coaches.
Each camper’s article is published online at planetdetroit.org and detroitwritingroom.com and printed in Perspectives Magazine, the camps’ annual student publication.
Benefits & funding
- Fee: US$599 for the two weeks (plus US$15 if paying by credit card).
- Students who live in Detroit or attend a Detroit high school can apply for a scholarship to attend free of charge.
- Daily lunch and snacks, a welcome pack with a press pass, and a daily parking pass or rideshare stipend of up to US$10.
- A published article and a certificate of completion.
- Campers arrange their own transport and bring a laptop daily; Detroit students can borrow one.
Eligibility
- High school students.
- No residence rule to attend; only the free scholarship is limited to Detroit residents and students at Detroit high schools.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Complete the online application on the camp page.
- 2Admission is rolling, so places are filled as applications arrive.
- 32026 deadline: 17 May 2026 (extended, per the camp page); the Dow Jones News Fund directory lists 1 May 2026.
Program timeline
Application deadline (extended)
17 May 2026
Camp starts (weekdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
6 July 2026
Camp ends
17 July 2026
Perspectives Magazine launch party
November 2026