Michigan State University students who contribute to diversity are eligible for five paid internships this summer at major multi-media Michigan news organizations.

These internships through MSU’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism meet the MSU J-School’s internship requirement. Environmental expertise or particular interest is not required. But you’ll gain both.

The application deadline is midnight Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Four of the internships are with members of the Great Lakes News Collaborative, a group of independent and multi-media news organizations. They are:

• Bridge Michigan, Michigan’s largest nonprofit news service
• Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, a monthly magazine-style television program with online daily reports
• Circle of Blue, a Traverse City-based news service reporting on worldwide water challenges
• Michigan Public – Michigan’s largest NPR news outlet.

A fifth internship is at Planet Detroit, an independent nonprofit local news organization that reports on the environment and public health in Detroit and Michigan.

FAQ

Q: Who is eligible?

A: Michigan State University students who contribute to diversity. That includes students graduating at the end of spring semester 2024 or later. It includes students who major in journalism, digital storytelling and other relevant majors.

Q: How do I show that I contribute to diversity?

A: It could be through your racial, ethnic or cultural identity. It could be through your lived experience. It could be that you have a special interest, expertise or knowledge of diversity issues. You tell us.

Q: Why the focus on diversity?

A: The program aims to improve environmental reporting. A diverse newsroom recognizes and reports on environmental stories that otherwise may be missed – stories like those relevant to racial justice, the values of Indigenous people or involving other groups that are underrepresented in media.

Q: Do I need to be a hunter, hiker, camper, ecologist, environmental activist or someone else who is real outdoorsy?

A: No. Environmental issues also encompass urban issues, health issues and social issues like civil rights. You’ll quickly develop an interest in what the Knight Center calls the world’s most important beat – one that cuts across all issues. You’ll gain journalism experience applicable to any beat.

Q: What will I do?

A: These internship providers are multi-media news providers. They work across multiple platforms.  They have diverse needs. You may write, produce audio, shoot video, create graphics – whatever your employer needs.

Q: Do I get paid?

A: You sure do. These are fulltime summer internships of up to 14 weeks long. The pay is $15/hour.

Q: How are these internships funded?

A: They are supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and by GLISA – one of 12 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Adaptation Partnerships.

Q: What if I have other questions?

A: Contact Knight Center Senior Associate Director David Poulson, poulsondavid@gmail.com

To apply:

Before midnight Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, send a message with the subject line “Knight internships” to MSU Knight Center Senior Associate Director David Poulson, poulsondavid@gmail.com.

NOT in the body of the email, but as attachments submit:

• no more than 300 words on how your background, lived experience or other characteristics help you bring diversity to reporting (See FAQ.) What else makes you right for the position?
• a resume
• copies of or links to up to any three stories you’ve produced for publication or class.
• contact information for one reference and how you know that person.