{"id":3497,"date":"2026-08-21T08:51:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T12:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centralohiospj.org\/?page_id=3497"},"modified":"2026-09-23T14:54:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T18:54:45","slug":"cjit-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/centralohiospj.org\/index.php\/cjit-program\/","title":{"rendered":"CJIT Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Columbus Journalists in Training Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A partnership between SPJ Central Ohio, the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, The Columbus Dispatch<\/em> and Columbus City Schools<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Photo courtesy of <\/em>The Columbus Dispatch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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50+ <\/strong>student journalists trained since 2023 \u2014 and growing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What is the Columbus Journalists in Training Program?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014bringing our total to over 50 student journalists empowered by this program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“The future of American journalism depends on truthtellers willing to do democracy\u2019s work on behalf of Americans. It also depends on people willing to give of themselves to support the generation that will follow.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amelia Robinson, SPJ Central Ohio Board Member<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How You Can Help<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> to find our how to get involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Professional Mentorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guide the next generation of journalists by pairing one-on-one with local high school students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Become a Mentor<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Workshop Instruction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lead a session on photojournalism, audio reporting, or media ethics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lead a Workshop<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Financial Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sponsor student transportation, meal stipends, or reporting equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Support CJIT<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Student Reporting Spotlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our high school reporters tackle the issues that impact their communities most. Recent CJIT student projects cover critical local coverage, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n