Fall 2023: Position has been filled

Spring 2024: February – May (8-10 hours a week, 12 weeks) 
Deadline for applications: Friday, November 3, 2023

About Prison Journalism Project

Prison Journalism Project trains incarcerated writers to be journalists and publishes their stories. We work with incarcerated writers and those in communities affected by incarceration to help them reach a wide audience through our own publication as well as through collaborations with mainstream media. 

We believe that the deep reforms necessary to fix the U.S. criminal legal system can happen only by shifting the narrative. Intentional, responsible and well-crafted journalism from within the incarcerated community can break stereotypes, bring more transparency to a closed world, and ultimately drive change.

Internship Description 

This position will work directly with our editorial team to perform the following tasks and projects:

  • Transcribe stories submitted by incarcerated writers 
  • Provide fact-checking, reporting and research on submitted articles
  • Select and touch up photos and/or illustrations to accompany published stories
  • Interns with extensive experience in journalism or publishing may have an opportunity to work on a special project. Some examples include: 
    * Edit/produce an existing PJP special project.
    * Develop an idea for a resource to add to our Prison Journalism Toolkit for journalists. 

Skills and Relevant Experiences

  • Experience with a college newspaper or publication, where you have a track record in meeting deadlines and understanding production processes
  • Must have a strong eye for aesthetic content
  • Major in graphic design, communications design or similar field is a plus
  • Must possess strong writing and grammar skills
  • Must be a self-starter and a team player, with excellent time management skills. Attention to detail and consistency is a must
  • Must be able to work with integrity and accountability in a virtual environment.
  • Must possess strong communication skills and not be afraid to ask questions
  • Must be able to accept direction/constructive criticism and work in a collaborative environment
  • Experience using Adobe Photoshop or comparable image-editing software preferred
  • Must have familiarity/proficiency with Google Drive (Docs and Sheets); familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel and Wordpress a plus
  • We encourage students who are personally impacted by incarceration to apply

How to Apply

Please fill out our application form.

Prison Journalism Project (PJP) is an equal opportunity organization, committed to fostering an environment in which people of all identities are welcomed, valued and supported. We seek to create an organization and a publication with diverse voices and experiences that are representative of our society and the communities we serve, including currently incarcerated people, formerly incarcerated people, their families and friends and those who work in and around the prison system.