Spring 2023: January/February – May (8-10 hours a week, 13 weeks)
Deadline for applications: CLOSED

Summer 2023: June – August (15-20 hours a week, 10 weeks) 
Deadline for applications: Rolling 

Fall 2023: September – December (8-10 hours a week, 13 weeks)
Deadline for applications: Rolling 

About Prison Journalism Project

The 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 with PJP’s art director on the following tasks and projects:

  • Find editorial illustrations to accompany stories and poetry that are published on the website through stock photography sites
  • Create editorial illustrations — through manipulating stock images, original photography or original illustration — whenever necessary
  • Touch up artwork submitted by incarcerated artists in Photoshop 
  • Help with other outreach-type projects as needed

Skills and Relevant Experiences

  • Must be able to grasp the essential meaning of a story or poem and identify how it can be elevated through an accompanying illustration.
  • Must be self-starting, with excellent time management skills. Attention to detail and to consistency is a must.
  • Must possess strong communication skills and not be afraid to ask questions.
  • Must have experience with graphic design, photojournalism or illustration
  • Major in graphic design, communications design or journalism is a plus.
  • Must have familiarity/proficiency with Google Drive (Docs and Sheets), Canva, ProCreate or Adobe Photoshop
  • Must be a (rising) junior or senior
  • We encourage students who are personally impacted by incarceration to apply

How to Apply

Please send an email to internship@prisonjournalismproject.org and include the following details, answers and requested materials: 

  1. Your first and last name 
  2. Your preferred pronouns 
  3. Your college or university & expected graduation date 
  4. Your social media handles 
  5. How did you hear about us?
  6. Which position/semester are you applying for?
  7. Will you be seeking a scholarship or sponsorship to support this unpaid internship? (Note: We are always happy to support applications for outside funding.) 
  8. What are you studying? Please list any relevant courses 
  9. Why are you interested in an internship at Prison Journalism Project?
  10. Why do you care about helping prison journalists shed light on the criminal legal system?
  11. (Optional) If you have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system, we invite you to tell us about it. 
  12. Please include a PDF of your resume and cover letter 
  13. Please include 2 graphic design examples that include typography 
  14. Please use the following format for the subject line of your email:
    [First/Last Name]: Media & Communications Intern Application for [Semester/year]

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.