Empowering the Next Generation: Highlights from the 2024 High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University

Discovering the Future of Journalism: Highlights from the 2024 High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University

This summer, the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism opened its doors to eighty enthusiastic high school students for the 2024 High School Journalism Workshop, held from July 7-11 on the picturesque Athens campus. This immersive experience not only provided these budding journalists with a glimpse into the world of media and journalism but also equipped them with invaluable skills and insights that will shape their future endeavors.

A Journey into Journalism

Workshop Co-Director Mark Turner summarized the essence of the event perfectly: “For high schoolers with some idea that a life in journalism and media is something they are interested in, the workshop is a place where they can explore what it might be like to take that path fully.” The students engaged with university professors and seasoned media professionals, learning about the ethical foundations of journalism and the vital role it plays in society.

Eight Diverse Tracks to Explore

Staying in campus residence halls, students chose from eight different media tracks, including:

• News Reporting and Writing
• Broadcast Journalism
• Magazine Writing
• Public Relations and Media Relations
• Visual Storytelling
• Sports Writing
• Publication Design
• Podcasting

Melanie Qin, a rising senior from Westerville, Ohio, embarked on the news track but found herself inspired by the many facets of journalism: “I didn’t know there were so many sides to journalism. It was really neat to learn about. Meeting new people and getting to experience college dorm life was also a great experience!”

Engaging with Real-World Journalists

One highlight of the workshop was a mock news conference featuring Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. Participants had the opportunity to engage with him directly, honing their interviewing skills in a real-world setting. Throughout the week, they attended sessions led by esteemed professors and Ohio University alumni, diving deep into topics such as investigative journalism, diversity in media, data journalism, and the crucial aspects of media law and ethics.

Turner noted, “Of the 12 track instructors, eight of them are alumni, all of whom are working or retired from careers in journalism and media. All but one of those alumni have been coming back for a number of years.” This continuity not only enriches the program but also allows students to learn from those who have walked the same path.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

While journalism was a key focus, the workshop also fostered camaraderie among participants through various enjoyable extracurricular activities, including a thrilling Southern Ohio Copperheads baseball game and a captivating movie night at the Athena Cinema.

Naomi Davis, a rising junior from Gahanna, Ohio, reflected on her experience: “The most valuable thing I learned was collaboration. Firstly, I learned to collaborate with my track and make sure that all of our individual ideas fit together. But also having a roommate and suitemates helped me with collaborating outside of a work environment, which wasn’t hard since my roommates were the best!”

Culmination of Creativity and Learning

As the workshop drew to a close, Turner expressed his fondness for the final day, where he witnessed the transformation of participants as they left with newfound knowledge and relationships. “We get to see the culmination of a lot of work from the high school students…and a little sadness at the realization that the workshop is over. They seem to realize what an adventure it was to learn, hone their skills, and discover a new environment and new people.”

The 2024 High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University provided a unique blend of education, professional development, and personal growth. As these young minds explored the vast landscape of media, they emerged with a clearer vision of their future paths in journalism—a promising sign for the media landscape of tomorrow. Through workshops like this, we are not just nurturing future journalists but empowering a new generation of storytellers ready to engage and inform the world.