K-12 Education Reporter Internship

School News Network is looking for a general assignment reporting intern to join our team of education-focused multimedia journalists beginning in fall 2026.

This internship will provide a comprehensive experience covering K-12 public education in the greater Grand Rapids area. The intern will work closely with a small staff of seasoned multimedia journalists who produce approximately 600 news and feature articles per year on the 20 public school districts in Kent County.

We are looking for a developing journalist, ideally a college student majoring in journalism or a related field, who wants to gain experience in reporting, photography, video production, social media content creation and podcasting. The intern will have the unique opportunity of covering education in several districts, from the tiniest to the largest in Kent ISD. In addition to shadowing and assisting our reporters with their content, the intern will cover stories on K-12 classroom teaching and learning;

features on students, teachers and staff members; news stories; and issues affecting or related to education.

This paid internship will require about 15 hours per week, including in-office and remote work over the course of one semester, possibly extending to a full 2026-27 school year.

Job responsibilities:

Reporting:
Cover stories in written, video and social media form on classroom teaching and learning; features on students, teachers and staff members; news stories; and education issues.
Photography:
Photograph classroom lessons, events and people featured in profile stories to accompany articles, social media and photo stories.
Videography:
Create short videos for social media and the website.
Social media:
Assist with social media content planning, creation, posting and monitoring on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms.
Podcasting:
Shadow and assist the SNN podcast host during episode production and potentially lead student-focused episodes.
Assist SNN staff :
Contribute to news gathering, print and digital content as needed.
Editorial planning:
Attend weekly staff meetings on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.

What we are looking for:

Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program majoring in journalism, communications, public relations or English.
Strong writing skills, an interest in public education and its role in the community and a basic understanding of AP Style.
A valid driver's license and reliable transportation to cover on-site assignments.

Compensation: $14 per hour (and academic credit, if applicable)

To apply:

Send resume, cover letter and 3-5 examples of writing and/or other journalistic work by July 27 to School News Network Managing Editor Erin Albanese, .

Pay: $14.00 per hour

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Grand Rapids, MI 49525