Ohio University Hosts High School Journalism Workshop, Inspiring the Next Generation of Media Professionals

Discovering the Future: Insights from the Ohio University 2024 High School Journalism Workshop

This summer, Athens, Ohio became a hub of creativity and inspiration as eighty high school students embarked on a transformative journey at the 2024 High School Journalism Workshop, hosted by Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Running from July 7 to 11, the workshop offered eager aspiring journalists a chance to delve deep into the world of media, guided by experienced professionals and seasoned professors.

A Path to Exploration

Mark Turner, the Co-Director of the workshop, emphasized its vital role in helping budding journalists gain a clearer understanding of their potential career paths. “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,” he explained. With hands-on experiences designed to inspire and educate, students engaged in ethical, informative, and engaging journalism right from the start.

Diverse Tracks and Experiences

The participants were given the freedom to choose from eight media tracks, each offering unique insights into different aspects of journalism. From news reporting and writing to podcasting and publication design, students could tailor their experience to align with their interests.

Melanie Qin, a rising senior from Westerville, Ohio, took the plunge into the news track. She reflected on her experience, saying, “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!”

This synergy of learning and living on campus allowed students to immerse themselves fully in the college experience.

Building Connections

A highlight of the workshop was the opportunity for participants to engage with real-world professionals. A mock news conference with Athens Mayor Steve Patterson allowed students to put their skills to the test and ask insightful questions. Those interactions were not limited to city officials; many sessions featured Ohio University alumni currently thriving in journalism and media. They shared their insights on topics crucial to the industry, including investigative journalism, diversity of voices, data journalism, and media law and ethics.

“Of the 12 track instructors, eight of them are alumni, all of whom are working or retired from careers in journalism and media,” Turner noted. “All but one of those alumni have been coming back for a number of years.” Such connections demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the school to foster the next generation of media professionals.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

But it wasn’t all about reporting and writing. The workshop also offered a balance of fun and camaraderie through activities outside the classroom. Participants bonded over outings to a Southern Ohio Copperheads baseball game and movie nights at the Athena Cinema. Naomi Davis, a rising junior from Gahanna, Ohio, highlighted the value of collaboration, saying, “The most valuable thing I learned was collaboration…having a roommate and suitemates, that helped me with collaborating outside of a work environment.”

A Bittersweet Farewell

As the workshop came to a close, participants gathered to reflect on their experiences. For Turner, the final day is filled with mixed emotions—joy at witnessing students’ growth and a hint of sadness that the journey was ending. “We get to see the culmination of a lot of work from the high school students. They seem to realize what an adventure it was to learn and hone their skills and discover a new environment and new people,” he said, reflecting on the impact of the workshop.

Join the Future of Journalism

The Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop proves that the future of media and journalism is in good hands—hands filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and a dedication to ethical storytelling. For any high school student considering a future in journalism, this workshop represents not just an opportunity to learn, but a chance to forge connections and lay the groundwork for an exciting career path.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that with initiatives like these, the voices of tomorrow’s journalists are growing stronger, ready to take on challenges and shape the media landscape of the future. Whether through writing, broadcasting, or visual storytelling, these students are primed to make a significant impact in the world of journalism.