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The 2025 Princeton Summer Journalism Program application is now open!

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is a year-long, tuition-free college access program at Princeton University for current juniors from lower-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism. Our goal is to diversify the organizations that shape our democracy by celebrating the connection between journalism and social change. Many applicants have formal journalism experience. Others do not but are interested in history, culture, political and social issues, art, media, and much more! 

During the 2025-2026 program year, participants will complete a hybrid summer intensive that culminates in a 10-day residential experience on the Princeton University campus, where students will attend workshops by Princeton professors and professional journalists, visit real newsrooms, report on news stories, and learn skills and techniques of the trade to publish their own student newspaper, the Princeton Summer Journal.

During their senior academic year, participants will benefit from one-on-one college application guidance as they build their college lists, draft personal statements, apply for financial aid, and make final decisions about where they will ultimately attend college.

Eligibility

To apply for PSJP, students must:

1. Be a current junior (class of 2026) in high school at the time of application. No exceptions.

2. Reside in the United States or Puerto Rico and plan to attend a domestic 4-year college. Students living broad, including U.S. citizens, or international students boarding in the U.S. will not be considered under any circumstances.

3. Have a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5 out of 4.0 (roughly an A- average).

4. Have an interest in journalism.

5. Meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions below:

   • The combined income of your parent(s)/guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, must not exceed $60,000.

   • You qualify for free or reduced-price lunch in your high school.

   • You qualify for a SAT or ACT fee waiver.

There is a place on the application for students to explain any extenuating circumstances related to family finances or academic concerns. 

Cost: All program expenses during the residential experience, including housing, meals, and transportation to Princeton University, will be covered by the program.

If you or your student(s) are interested, please visit psjp.princeton.edu to learn more and sign up for an information session on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Best,

Tieisha M. Tift

Assistant Director, College Preparation Initiatives

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

36 University Place, Suite 350

Princeton, NJ 08544

609-258-0219

psjp@princeton.edu | psjp.princeton.edu

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Remember:

You must participate in community opportunities that are MCPS SSL organizations if SSL hours are desired from community involvement:

• May participate in service-learning opportunities with nonprofit organizations identified with a graduation cap  at Montgomery County Volunteer Center or;

• May submit a completed MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request prior to earning SSL hours with any organization or opportunity that is not identified with a graduation cap  at Montgomery County Volunteer Center.