Today, Report for America announced an expansion of its Local News Internship program, an important step towards building the country’s most powerful pipeline of journalists covering issues that matter most to their communities. The program, run in partnership with Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication and eight other higher education partners and newsrooms, returns for its second year and is designed to help aspiring journalists fill one of the most common barriers for entry: professional, paid newsroom experience.
FAMU journalism student Roni Graham was selected to intern at Tallahassee’s WFSU Radio as a part of this year’s program.
Graham brings to the program experience as a live shot reporter for FAMU-TV 20, a technical director for the student-produced Word Around Campus, and a correspondent for the Sanford Herald.
The 10-week internship program kicked off on June 1. Interns will produce several multi-source articles per week, receive editorial mentorship and guidance, and are paid for their work. As a result of the generous support of donors, Report for America covers 80% of the intern’s $10,000 stipend, with the partner newsroom covering the remainder.
“This selection holds a lot of value for me,” Graham said. “To be selected for something that I was recommended for by one of my professors truly shows the support I have on this journey at FAMU SJGC. Report for America’s intentional focus on under-covered issues aligns with my values as a journalist, so it’s the perfect fit. It’s my goal to leave this experience with a deeper understanding of the communities and people behind the headlines.”
Since its founding, Report for America has placed more than 800 emerging journalists like Graham in hundreds of local newsrooms across the country. Through the organization’s work with early-career journalists, its programs are paving the way for recruiting diverse talent, bridging skill gaps, and ensuring equitable access to the journalism industry.
“Through this program, students gain meaningful, hands-on newsroom experience while contributing to coverage that truly matters,” said Earl Johnson, Report for America’s vice president of recruitment and alumni engagement. “We are especially proud that this year’s higher education partners include Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), HBCUs, and journalism schools dedicated to diverse local news coverage that reinforces our commitment to building a more inclusive and representative journalism pipeline.”
This year’s college and university partners are located in states across the country, from Florida and Mississippi to Texas and California. Higher education partners select the local newsroom as the internship placement partner. The host newsrooms support interns through editorial guidance, mentorship, and portfolio development.
“Our partnership with Report for America brings learning to life for our students,” said Mira Lowe, FAMU SJGC dean. “By working in professional newsrooms, our scholars gain real-world experience, build confidence, and see the power of storytelling in local communities. It’s an investment in the future of journalism.”
The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts, as well as various higher education and newsroom partners, have helped the initiative to expand since its launch in 2025. Learn more and read the full story here.
