The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is the only program of its kind offering a free, year-long college preparation and journalism program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds. Our mission is to diversify the fields that impact our democracy through the exploration of the important connection between journalism and critical social and political events. Participants complete a multi-week, hybrid summer intensive during the summer after their junior year and work one-on-one with a personal college counselor during their senior year.

Through PSJP, students gain new skills and open themselves up to different experiences by meeting creative young people from across the country and stepping out of their comfort zones. Students who love learning, enjoy writing, have a strong work ethic, and would appreciate discussing topics ranging from history, culture, social issues, politics, and current events with their peers and professionals tend to be most successful in this program. Prior experience as a journalist is appreciated, but not required. However, enthusiasm for exploring the field is a must.

Students who are looking to become involved in Princeton University in other ways should explore opportunities elsewhere through research, admissions events, or other camps.

The multi-week summer intensive will begin with online classes in mid-July and will culminate in a residential experience at Princeton from late-July through early-August.

Yes. All components of the program are mandatory for continued participation. This includes weekly reading and reporting assignments throughout the program, online workshops and lectures in July, engagement with parts of the college admissions process, and an in-person summer experience at Princeton. Students will also be assigned a one-to-one college adviser to assist with their college applications. We expect students to fully participate in each component and remain committed through their senior year.

While Princeton University no longer requires visitors living in dorms to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of now, we encourage families to consider whether vaccination is a good fit for their student. Students will live in dorms and travel with people from all over the country as the different variants of the virus continue to spread. You may review the University's most updated visitor policy.

Students do not pay any fees to the program to participate in PSJP. The program will arrange and pay for housing, meals, and transportation required for the in-person portion of the program.

Our program coordinators work with students and their families to arrange transportation to NJ and/or to campus. All public transportation logistics, airfare, train fees, and shuttle costs are covered for the students by the program. Typically, students who live within driving distance of campus are dropped off by a family member, although we will send transportation to retrieve the student if that is not an option.

Students sleep in dormitories on Princeton's campus for the duration of the residential component of PSJP. Students must stay with program staff and participants for the length of the program and are not permitted to sleep away off-campus during the residential program, including with nearby relatives.

No. PSJP is not a recruitment or bridge program for Princeton University. Admission to Princeton is not a guarantee for any PSJP participant.

PSJP is not a scholarship-granting program, and we do not provide any funds for students to attend college or participate in internships. However, PSJP counselors work with students to identify and apply for colleges and universities with a strong commitment to financial aid for low-income and first-generation students. Counselors guide students through applying for financial aid and getting waivers for financial hardships during the admissions process.

Of course they do! Many also come back to serve as counselors for the program. Learn more about our outcomes and read articles by PSJP alumni.

While students meeting the eligibility requirements are prioritized above all others in our process, we understand that there can be extenuating circumstances that warrant a second look. We will review all applications submitted by current high school juniors living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Read below for more specific information about different situations.

That's OK! PSJP is intended for students who are interested in journalism—who are at least considering writing for their high school or college newspapers and can see themselves potentially pursuing an eventual career in journalism. Some students are not sure, have not been able to write for a formal school paper, do not have access to one in their high schools, or have only just started writing in their spare time. That’s OK, too! You should still apply. We don't require students to have experience as a journalist. However, every year, we receive applications from students who are smart and talented—but who don't care about the news, which makes it difficult for them to get a lot out of the program. Apply to this program only if you have a serious interest in learning about journalism and will contribute fully to the experience, if accepted.

Yes. Students must be currently enrolled juniors at the time of application. No current senior or sophomore will be considered. No exceptions.

If you are a 9th or 10th grader and would like to be contacted when the application opens during your junior year, please sign-up here.

If you are a faculty or staff member at an agency, organization, or school and would like to be added to our annual mailing list, please complete this form.

Students should report their most updated cumulative GPA, weighted (if applicable) and unweighted.

PSJP will review every application that is submitted by a high school junior. If your GPA is below a 3.5, we will require an explanation of any extenuating circumstances that should be considered and take into account an upward trend in grades, the rigor of your courses and any disruptions to your education.

All students living in (i.e. has a permanent address) and attending high school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are encouraged to apply. International students boarding in the U.S. on a student visa are not eligible. Applicants living abroad will not be considered, regardless of citizenship.

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is for students from limited-income backgrounds. Any student whose family does not meet the income requirements specified should write a statement on their application explaining why they think their financial background still qualifies. PSJP will review every application that is submitted, taking into account family size, cost of living in your area, and all other application factors when making a final decision. 

We do not accept payment for students to attend the program. If you are certain your family will not qualify financially for PSJP, we recommend looking into programs offered by other universities and news outlets.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the program, we welcome the support! Please email [email protected] to learn more about the process. However, please note that your contribution will have no bearing on your student's application for admission.

Please contact our office at [email protected] so we can talk through how best to proceed.

If you are completing the online application (Round 1), you do not need exact information about income, although it helps. If 2023 or 2024 tax information is not available, provide your best guess. If you are advanced to Round 2 (semi-finalists), we will require official tax forms from 2023 and 2024 (once filed) to verify income for all students whose families file taxes. All interviewees (finalists) will be required to submit 2024 tax documents before final decisions are released in May.