Journalism Institute

Job Description

POLITICO is dedicated to providing accurate, nonpartisan, impactful journalism so our audience is well informed and can work with confidence and speed. The POLITICO Journalism Institute (PJI) is one way we advance that mission and promote diversity by training the next generation of journalists in covering policy, politics in Washington, D.C. and state capitals. The program, now in its 13th year, is a partnership between POLITICO, American University and the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.

We are now accepting applications for PJI’s 2026 session (May 26 – June 5, 2026). This competitive training program will admit at least 12 undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest in journalism through internships and coursework.

Programming for PJI includes interactive sessions, panels with industry leaders, mentor pairings with POLITICO journalists and an opportunity for participants to have their work published by POLITICO. Throughout the program, PJI participants split their time between American University in Washington, D.C., and POLITICO headquarters in Arlington, Va. All costs for attending PJI, including room, board and transportation, are covered by POLITICO.

Applicants who are rising juniors or seniors at accredited four‑year colleges or universities will be given preference. Student members of minority journalism associations are encouraged to apply.

To be considered for PJI, you must complete all five components of the application listed below:

• A cover letter (as a PDF file) addressed to the ‘Selection Committee’ telling why you think you should be chosen.
• A one‑page resume as a PDF.
• PDFs for 3 samples of your best journalistic work. You may include links only if they are publicly accessible; if paywalled, use a PDF.
• One letter of recommendation. Please attach a signed letter (on letterhead) from your reference, as a PDF. We do not accept recommendations via email.
• A PDF with a one‑ or two‑paragraph pitch using the prompt below. This exercise allows you to demonstrate your skills in pitching a story idea to an editor.

Select a story from  that you hypothetically would use as a basis for a follow‑up story. Do basic research on the topic, then ‘pitch’ an idea in one or two paragraphs. Consider an angle not addressed in the initial report; then cite the original headline, byline and date of publication in your pitch; and be specific about the point of your follow‑up story, including any organization or source you would reach out to.

(Do not write the actual story, just write a pitch to demonstrate your news judgment and how well you can communicate your idea.)

Applications are due by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, January 23, 2026.

• When can I apply for the 2026 session of PJI, and how soon will I receive a decision from your selection committee? You will receive an initial response to confirm receipt of your application form immediately after you submit it; however your package will not be reviewed until ALL required documents are provided. Required documents include a cover letter, your resume, a 1‑2 paragraph story pitch, 3 work samples and one reference letter.
  
  Reference letters should be written by a professor, employer or internship, typed on letterhead and submitted as a PDF. You may save and continue to work on your online application. Once all the required documents are submitted, your package will be reviewed by a selection committee. All initial offers will be made by late February or early March, with formal letters to be sent soon thereafter.
• What type of work samples are accepted as part of the application? Your samples should include journalistic work that has been published by a professional or school news publication. You can include your work from a place of employment, an internship, or a school publication or station. In addition, your work samples should include your name as the writer, reporter or producer, as well as the date of publication.
  
  Acceptable work samples include scanned hard‑copy news clips, digital stories, video or audio samples, photos or graphics. If you provide links to…