We want to give you $1,000 to make a reporting or photography project.
The members of the Pacific Media Workers Guild offer professional guidance and support through Bay News Rising, a one-of-a-kind summer program for emerging journalists.
Dozens of journalism students have been part of Bay News Rising over the years. Many have gone on to careers at news organizations and have played key roles in union organizing.
We’re looking for student journalists who have ideas for enterprise stories or photo projects focused on labor, justice or economic issues in California. If selected, we will help you through the reporting and editing process, offer workshops and seminars with experienced journalists and publish your work. And we pay you!
How to apply
Send us your idea for a reported story or photojournalism project about workers, civic issues, economic issues or racial justice. Please describe how you plan to report on it (i.e., do you have leads on sources to talk to or other information to start?) and what you believe more reporting on this story can tell us.
In your application, please include contact information for a faculty or professional reference, a resume, three writing or photography samples, and a list of journalism classes you’ve taken.
Who should apply
Bay News Rising is open to all student journalists in the Bay Area. We’re especially interested in working with journalists who have some reporting, writing or photography experience, and are looking to take their skills to the next level by learning from mentors in professional newsrooms.
Bay News Rising is a six-week, part-time program with flexible hours.
Our union demands fair deals for all freelancers and an end to exploitative unpaid internships. We are offering $1,000 stipends for each project.
Participation qualifies you to be a member of The NewsGuild-CWA.
We’ve been fighting for journalists since 1936. Now it’s your turn.
Deadline to apply: April 20, 2026
Program starts with orientation on June 20
Click here for our application form
Email any questions to: bnr@mediaworkers.org
Visit us online to learn more and see work our students have produced at www.baynewsrising.org
