Columbus Journalists in Training Program
A partnership between SPJ Central Ohio, the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, The Columbus Dispatch and Columbus City Schools
Photo courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch
50+ student journalists trained since 2023 — and growing
What is the Columbus Journalists in Training Program?
Started in 2023, the Columbus Journalists in Training (CJIT) program is an intensive, weekslong immersive journalism experience for Columbus City Schools students. Through hands-on reporting, writing and multimedia training, high school students learn the fundamentals of local reporting directly from working newsroom professionals.
CJIT is a collaborative initiative powered by SPJ Central Ohio, the Columbus Association of Black Journalists (CABJ), and The Columbus Dispatch. On April 2, 2026, we proudly celebrated our latest graduating session—bringing our total to over 50 student journalists empowered by this program.
“The future of American journalism depends on truthtellers willing to do democracy’s work on behalf of Americans. It also depends on people willing to give of themselves to support the generation that will follow.”
Amelia Robinson, SPJ Central Ohio Board Member
How You Can Help
The program relies on journalists, editors, producers and educators willing to share their expertise. Whether you can give a few hours a week as a direct student mentor or assist with workshop logistics, your time makes this program possible. Contact the Central Ohio Chapter at spjcentralohio@gmail.com to find our how to get involved.
Professional Mentorship
Guide the next generation of journalists by pairing one-on-one with local high school students.
Workshop Instruction
Lead a session on photojournalism, audio reporting, or media ethics.
Financial Support
Sponsor student transportation, meal stipends, or reporting equipment.
Student Reporting Spotlight
Our high school reporters tackle the issues that impact their communities most. Recent CJIT student projects cover critical local coverage, including:
- Gentrification and housing shifts across Columbus neighborhoods
- Immigration enforcement policies and local impact
- Data center expansion across Central Ohio
- Maternal health disparities and postpartum mental health resources
- Domestic violence prevention and community support systems
Students’ final projects are published by The Columbus Dispatch and can be found below.
Thank You to Our Partners & Volunteers
CJIT is a collaboration between the Central Ohio Chapter, the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, The Columbus Dispatch and Columbus City Schools. The program is made possible through generous educational host support from Denison Edge and Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, along with dedicated professional mentors from newsrooms across Ohio.