Since 2021, the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting has been partnering with various news organizations to offer members paid summer investigative reporting internship opportunities that include training, mentorship and experience with some of the top investigative journalists in the country. This program is designed to encourage the inclusion of emerging journalists from historically underrepresented communities into the journalism industry.
To date, the Society has placed more than 40 interns into paid positions with mentorship opportunities.
About the Program
Each internship is a paid 10- to 12-week full-time position. The length for each internship will be determined by each news organization. Whether a position is in-person or remote is also determined by each news organization. Candidates should be actively involved in campus media or have other news reporting experience and a demonstrated desire to incorporate investigative reporting techniques into their work as they aspire to advance their careers.
This internship program is only open to currently registered members of IBWS. However, becoming an Ida B. Wells Society member is free and open to all (although, we hope you have an interest in investigative journalism), so you could theoretically register right after reading this sentence. Become a member here.
Each internship cohort begins with a boot camp where the entire cohort gathers for a weekend of training and fellowship with their class, the organization’s co-founders, and other Society trainers. In addition to payment, the Society provides out-of-state interns with a relocation and housing stipend.
Past Interns
Past interns have participated in prize-winning reporting projects and have gone on to establish professional careers in investigative journalism.
Click on a program year to learn more about the interns from the program and see some of their clips from their program.
Hear From the Interns
I did not think that I would be able to land a full-time reporting position in a newsroom like the AJC directly after graduating (in May 2022). I was prepared to go to grad school … However, because of the experience I gained with the help of the IBWS, the AJC felt more comfortable offering me a position covering a complex and important beat.” – Donovan Thomas, inaugural cohort
I would recommend the internship to other students not just because of the amazing newsrooms that partner with Ida B. Wells Society, but also because of the ability to work on meaningful projects. You get the space to work on an investigation that has real impact and the experience is truly once in a lifetime. Nowhere else do you get practical experience, a paycheck, and the mentorship and guidance to pull it all together. This internship will change your life for the better, just like it did for me.” – Albert Serna Jr., 2022 cohort
My internship exceeded my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Post, and I believe the newsroom culture and location worked perfectly for me. I am incredibly grateful to the Ida B. Wells Society for taking a chance on me and providing this opportunity. I have learned more in the past four months than I have throughout my entire time in journalism.” – Tami Oshikanlu, 2024 cohort
The resources provided to our cohort during the internship were more than satisfactory. I learned a lot from this internship and grew as an investigative journalist this summer. I just want to say thank you to the Ida B. Wells Society founders and team for giving me the opportunity to do this internship. This was such a special experience. The internship taught me many important lessons on investigative journalism and reminded me how important it is to uncover and tell stories of issues that impact communities, especially people of color.” – Daranee Balachandar, 2025 cohort
Apply to Be an Intern
Applications for summer 2026 will open later this fall. When applications are open, we will also publish FAQs and more information to help applicants through the process.
Make sure you’re an Ida B. Wells Society member so that you’ll receive all information and updates in a timely fashion!
Have questions about the program? Visit our general FAQ here.
