APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: 2026 SRL SUMMER ACADEMY
February 20, 2026
High school student journalists, this is for you! Collaborate with other young storytellers at the SRL Summer Academy, an all-expenses-paid week of journalism training and reporting stories with the PBS News Student Reporting Labs team. This year’s program will be held on the Georgetown University campus in Washington D.C. from June 24-30, in collaboration with WETA. All expenses are covered for students, including travel, lodging, food, and more. That’s right, it’s FREE! Lodging and training will take place at Georgetown University.
Students will spend a week producing a reported story in small groups with the support of SRL staff, and will receive professional mentorship, hands-on training, and workshops breaking down every step of the video production process – from research and interviewing to filming and editing. The week will culminate in a screening of the final stories at WETA’s offices.
➡️ To apply, first: review full details and additional guidelines here, then SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Applications will be open through Sunday, April 5 at midnight PT. The SRL team will notify all applicants of selection decisions in mid-May.
Check out this behind the scenes video from the 2025 Summer Academy for a closer look at the experience!
WHAT ARE YOU GETTING?
- A fully paid trip to the Washington, D.C. area, including travel, lodging and meals
- A unique, hands-on opportunity to refine your storytelling process and learn vital video journalism, production, and communication skills through real-world exposure
- Connection to experienced and influential media professionals through one-on-one coaching
- Community: access to a national network of likeminded peers