Program Details
Interns report for work each day at the Scripps Howard Foundation Wire, which is housed in the same office as the Scripps Howard News Service, four blocks from the White House. They report and write a variety of stories. In addition to perfecting their news writing skills, interns talk with experts at the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Student Press Law Center, the Washington Post, the State Department, the Pentagon and others to better understand how to cover the news. Interns should be prepared to cover politics, breaking news, business, sports and features, including home and garden, health, fitness, technology, travel and food.
Who can apply?
College juniors and seniors who are planning careers in print or online journalism can apply for this program. The program does not accept graduates or graduate students.
What is a wire service? How is it different from a newspaper?
A wire service sends stories to news outlets across the United States as well as to foreign clients. Interns can write for specific news organizations, and all of their stories are posted on our Web site and made available to any news outlet that wants them. Writers don't always know immediately if a story has been picked up or by which news outlet. This is quite different from seeing stories in print each day at a newspaper. Clips from the SHFWire can be part of a job-hunting portfolio.
An international component.
The International Center for Journalists selects one international student to take part in each session of the Semester in Washington Program. Students from Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Georgia, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Turkmenistan and Uruguay have participated. They write stories for news outlets in their home country as well as for U.S. new organizations. The global focus and international perspective these students bring to the Semester in Washington program is a welcome and integral part of the entire group's experience. For more information and to apply, go to ICJF's Web site and click on "media training."
How many hours do I work each day?
Most reporters can plan to work an eight-hour day, Monday through Friday. Breaking news often dictates longer hours.
How much will I get paid?
Students in the 14-week spring and fall sessions receive a $2,000 stipend. Students in the 10-week summer session receive $1,500. Interns in the Hampton University Short Course are paid $500. Interns are paid by check the first day of the program. In addition, interns are housed for free in furnished apartments in Northwest Washington near the National Zoo.
What do I wear to work?
Business attire. Men must wear ties. Some places reporters must go in Washington require jackets for both men and women. Women may wear pants or skirts, but clothing must be modest. Washington is a more formal town than others, and because reporters never know where they might go on any day, blue jeans and casual dress are not an option.
Should I bring a car to Washington?
It is easy to get around the city on the Metro rail and bus system. Parking is very limited and very expensive. There is no free or inexpensive off-street parking near the apartments or the office. Most students decide not to bring a car.
How many students write for SHFWire?
Six students, including one international student, are available to write stories and assignments during the four Semester in Washington sessions.
Who uses the SHFWire?
Foundation Wire stories appear in major daily newspapers and Web site across the United States, including Scripps Howard newspapers and non-Scripps papers. Some SHFWire stories go out on the national Scripps Howard News Service, which has more than 400 clients. Interns are encouraged to develop relationships with hometown or other newspapers and to cover Washington for them.