UA to Host 21st Journalism Workshop

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences is recruiting high school students to participate in its 21st annual Multicultural Journalism Workshop, formerly known as the Minority Journalism Workshop.

The workshop was renamed after the 20th anniversary celebration last year to reflect the growing diversity of cultures represented by students attending the workshop each year.

During the summer of 2004, the College will host as many as 25 students who will learn from top journalists about reporting, writing, graphics, production, broadcasting and online/new media technologies. The workshop will be held on the UA campus in Tuscaloosa from July 5-16.

Students can request an application packet by contacting Kathryn Adams by mail at The University of Alabama, Department of Journalism, Box 870172, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0172, by e-mail at kadams@ccom.ua.edu or by phone at (205) 348-6304. Students also can obtain the application packet by logging on to the workshop’s website at www.ccom.ua.edu/mjw.

Applications must be accompanied by an official school transcript, a 250-word essay on the student’s interest in journalism, a list of school and community activities, writing samples and a recommendation from at least one teacher or guidance counselor. The priority deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

In addition to publishing a workshop newspaper, participants in MJW 2004 will produce a short video news broadcast using the latest in digital video and computer equipment in collaboration with the McWane Center Newsroom Studio in Birmingham. Students also will take a tour of Alabama Public Radio facilities, housed in the College.

In addition to learning about the media, the free workshop allows participants the opportunity to learn about campus life. During the workshop students will share a University dorm room with at least one roommate and will eat at UA dining halls.

The workshop is one of the oldest of its kind in the country and is part of the University’s Multicultural Journalism Program, which is designed to recruit diverse students into media professions. MJW has proven to be a good recruiting tool for the University and the department of journalism. A number of students attending past workshops have chosen to attend UA over other colleges.

“The workshop is a testimonial to the few at UA who knew that to continue to improve we had to have more minorities in our student body, on our faculty, and in the profession,” said Ed Mullins, professor and journalism chair. “More than a thousand students have come through our doors and walked out a few years later to take their place in society, in a very important part of society, as a journalist.”

Many participants have entered the workforce for some of the most recognized newspaper, broadcasting, public relations and advertising organizations.

“Every year we make special preparations to ensure that our participants get a true taste of what it is like to be a journalist,” said Kathryn Adams, MJW director. “We hope that after 10 days in the workshop, many of these students are excited and energized to pursue journalism as a profession. We are proud of our program and the fact that it has been a premier opportunity for future journalists for two decades now.”

Merv Aubespin, interim director of the Louisville Courier-Journal, will serve as editor-in-residence during the workshop, inspiring and encouraging participants to consider the opportunities available through a career in journalism.

Participants will be chosen from a competitive pool of applicants from across the Southeast. All the students selected to attend the workshop are provided meals, housing and supplies. The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund has provided a $4,000 grant and the Knight Foundation has donated $5,000 to help finance the workshop. Past sponsors of the workshop include the Gannett Foundation, Mercedes-Benz International, the Mobile Register, the Montgomery Advertiser and the Tuscaloosa News.

The UA College of Communication & Information Sciences is among the largest and most prestigious communication colleges in the nation. C&IS has graduated more than 12,000 students and consistently is ranked among the top 10 in number of doctoral degrees awarded and in many of its research programs.