Shape Stories That Matter
Real journalism isn't about templates or formulas. It's about finding the thread that makes people stop scrolling and start paying attention. We work with people who want to understand how good reporting actually happens — from the messy first interview to the final edit.
Start Your JourneyThree Different Ways In
Most people come to us knowing they want to tell better stories. But the starting point varies quite a bit. Some are switching careers completely, others are already working in media and need specific skills.
Foundation Track
If you're coming from outside media entirely, this is where you'd start. We cover interview techniques, story structure, fact-checking basics, and how newsrooms actually operate day-to-day.
- Builds core skills from ground up
- Starts March 2026, runs 16 weeks
- Weekly assignments with direct feedback
- Small cohorts, around 12-15 participants
Investigative Focus
For people who already understand reporting basics but want to dig deeper into complex stories. This gets into document analysis, source development, and how to manage long-form projects without burning out.
- Assumes existing reporting experience
- Begins February 2026, 12-week intensive
- Works on actual investigative projects
- Limited to 8 participants per session
Multimedia Journalism
Stories aren't just text anymore. This pathway covers how to shoot decent video on basic equipment, record clean audio, and combine different media formats without losing the narrative thread.
- Hands-on with recording equipment
- April 2026 start, 14 weeks total
- Portfolio development included
- Access to editing software and gear
What You'll Actually Learn
We don't teach theory for theory's sake. Everything here connects to something you'll need when you're on deadline or trying to convince someone to go on record.
Finding Real Stories
How to spot angles others miss, verify social media claims quickly, and recognize when something that sounds big is actually just noise. Includes practical exercises with local news scenarios.
Interview Techniques
Getting past the prepared statements. Building rapport without losing objectivity. Asking follow-up questions that actually matter. We record mock interviews and break down what worked and what didn't.
Writing Under Pressure
Structuring stories when you're working against the clock. Editing your own work efficiently. Finding the lead that pulls readers in. Weekly writing assignments with turnaround times that mirror real newsroom conditions.
Ethics and Standards
When to grant anonymity and when not to. How to handle corrections. Navigating conflicts of interest. These situations come up more often than you'd think, and the right call isn't always obvious.
Work on Actual Stories
Theory only gets you so far. About halfway through any of our tracks, you start working on real reporting projects. Not simulations — actual stories that could run somewhere.
How It Works
- You pitch story ideas based on what you've found through your own research or leads we help you develop
- Work with instructors who've spent years in newsrooms to refine your approach and identify potential problems early
- Conduct real interviews with sources who have information worth reporting, not just practice conversations
- Draft, revise, and edit your pieces with feedback that mirrors what you'd get from an editor on staff
- Some participants publish their work through partner outlets or use it to build portfolios that demonstrate actual capability
- Learn what it feels like to chase a story that doesn't cooperate, miss details, recover from mistakes, and finish something you're proud of
Getting Started
We keep intake fairly straightforward. No standardized tests or complex requirements. Mostly we want to understand what you're trying to accomplish and whether this program makes sense for where you are now.
Initial Application
Fill out a brief form telling us about your background and what draws you to journalism. Include any relevant experience, even if it's not in media. Takes most people about 20 minutes to complete.
Writing Sample
We ask for something you've written — doesn't have to be published or even journalism-related. We're looking at how you organize ideas and communicate clearly, not whether you already know AP style.
Conversation
A 30-minute video call with one of our instructors. Informal discussion about what you want to learn, questions about the program, and making sure expectations align on both sides.
Enrollment Decision
You'll hear back within a week. If accepted, you secure your spot and receive pre-program materials to review before the first session. Cohorts fill up, so earlier applications have better availability.