Are you an Indianapolis student who wants to learn more about community journalism? Apply to be a Mirror Indy summer youth reporter.
You don’t need any journalism experience—just curiosity, creativity and an interest in telling stories about things that matter to you. If you like making short videos, asking questions or learning about your community, you could be a Mirror Indy youth reporter.
We are looking for three reporters: one from the west side, one from the south side and one from the east side of Indianapolis. You’ll tell stories about your neighborhood and talk to other kids and teens who live there.
Please read all of this information carefully before you fill out the application. If you have any questions, email Amanda Kingsbury, managing editor of innovation.
To apply, you must:
- Be between the ages of 10 and 18.
- Live in Marion County.
- Have permission from a parent or guardian to apply and participate.
- Be able to get to assignments, with help from a parent, guardian or other adult if needed.
- Be available to work between mid-June to mid-August.
Here’s what to know about the role:
- You’ll be paid for each assignment. We will share more info during the hiring process.
- Your stories and videos may be published on Mirror Indy’s website and shared on our social media channels and in our newsletters.
- You’ll learn from Mirror Indy interns and journalists and work directly with them.
- You’ll complete one assignment each week.
How to apply:
Fill out this brief application by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, May 26. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. The application will ask for:
- Your name, age, neighborhood, and contact information for a parent or guardian (if you are under the age of 18).
- A 90-second video (max) telling us why you’d like to be a Mirror Indy youth reporter. Make sure to tell us what part of town you live in and what grade you will be in this fall. These videos will not be shared publicly.
- Two story ideas that you’d like to cover about your neighborhood. (See the section below for guidance.)
What kind of stories can I pitch as part of my application?
Your story ideas can be about people, places or issues in your neighborhood that you think more people should know about. Your ideas don’t have to be perfect. We just want to know what you’re curious about.
You could pitch a story about:
- A young person doing something interesting or inspiring.
- A favorite place in your neighborhood.
- A problem kids or teens face in your area.
- A community event, program or tradition.
- Something happening at your school.
- A local business, park, library, community center or hangout spot.
- Something you wish adults understood better about kids and teens in your neighborhood.
What happens after you apply:
- Mirror Indy editors will look at all the applications. We will choose finalists from each neighborhood and reach out to schedule brief online interviews with them. A parent or guardian is welcome to attend, too.
- Three youth reporters will be hired by mid-June.
Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
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