The Ida B. Wells Society is thrilled to open applications for its 2027 Ida B. Wells Society Investigative Reporting Internship Program. The Society provides the only investigative reporting internship in the country.
The internship places students in paid 10- to 12-week assignments working alongside investigative reporters and editors at some of the nation’s top news organizations. Students from traditionally underrepresented groups and those attending HBCUs and MSIs are especially encouraged to apply.
Internship placements vary from in-person, hybrid and remote opportunities depending on the structure of the newsrooms.
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, January 4, 2027. Selections will be announced in early March.
Application Requirements
Applicants must be members of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. Join for free at this link.
College juniors and seniors, graduate students and individuals who graduated from college within the past three years with multimedia journalism skills, including print and broadcasting are welcome to apply.
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.
The application requires:
- a cover letter
- a resume
- five work samples (with one being a written article)
- two references from individuals who can speak about your journalistic abilities and would be willing to answer any follow-up questions from the selection committee.
Missed the Info Session?
Find our info session slide deck below, with more information on the internship such as timelines, application tips, and expectations surrounding the internship experience.
2026 Internship info sessionFrequently Asked Questions
Are these internships in person or remote?
Depending on the newsroom, internships may be in-person, hybrid, or remote.
When will the internship applications open and close?
This year’s application period is from October 23, 2026 through January 4, 2027. Applications will close at 11:59pm on that date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
What do I need to prepare for my application?
- A copy of your resume
- Cover Letter (500 words maximum)
- Two references that may be contacted to speak to the quality of your work. This can include current or former employers and professors.
- 5 samples reflecting your best journalism work. One must be a written sample.
Please submit work that isn’t behind a paywall.
What kind of material can I provide for the samples of my work in the application?
- One piece of the sample work MUST be a written piece.
You may also provide: - Print journalism stories
- Online journalism stories
- News video clips
- Multimedia projects (if they can be easily uploaded or linked.)
What are some tips for submitting my work?
The biggest aspect that you should focus on is submitting quality content. Focus on your strongest assignments.
- Is the clip demonstrating a high level of interest and/or potential in the areas outlined in the job description?
- Does each sample demonstrate a level of thoughtfulness and inquisitiveness?
- It might help to ask a professor or professional for help in selecting the best ones.
- Tell us why you have the potential to be a strong reporter, if given the chance.
- Explain what draws you specifically to investigative reporting.
I submitted my application and haven’t heard anything. Can I receive an update on the status?
Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to provide individual updates. If you are selected for an interview or if we need more information from you, you will be contacted directly by the Ida B. Wells Society or one of the news organizations.
What is the extent of commitment for the summer internship?
Accepted students are required to attend the pre-internship boot camp in late May, and complete the entirety of their internship.
Each summer 2026 internship is a paid 10- to 12-week full-time position. The length for each internship will be determined by each news organization. You must be able to work a standard full-time work schedule.
How much will interns be paid during the summer?
All internships are paid at the standard rate of the respective news organization.
Will travel and housing be covered for in-person internships?
The Society will help cover some relocation and housing costs. Interns will be responsible for making their own housing and relocation arrangements.
I’m not a journalism student, I’m not working in journalism, and I don’t plan to work as a journalist in the future. Am I eligible to apply?
Unfortunately, no. Although the material taught through the internships can be valuably applied to other fields, the program is aimed to increase the number of investigative journalists through a hands-on application of skills.
I am not an Ida B. Wells Society member. Am I eligible to apply?
No. 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.
What constitutes a “recent graduate”?
For the purposes of this internship, a “recent graduate” would generally be an individual no more than three years out of school, but some of our news partners may allow a little more or less time from graduation. Students currently enrolled in a graduate program would also qualify for this program.
I have been out of school for several years and would not be considered a recent graduate, but I’m looking for an opportunity to transition and grow into investigative reporting. Is this program for me?
Probably not. However, the Society does offer other fellowship opportunities for professionals looking to advance, such as the Data Institute. And you can find several other opportunities on our “Job Seekers” page, as information is updated.
I’m not a U.S. resident. Am I eligible to apply?
You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to apply. As stated above, if selected for an in-person internship you will need to be able to make your own housing and relocation arrangements.
Who can I contact for additional questions?
Email us at IBWS@morehouse.edu.
