Internship Program & Student Writers
The Streetcar Suburbs Publishing brand consists of monthly newspaper publications that are distributed to residents within the Maryland Cities of Hyattsville, College Park, and Laurel, as well as on our website at StreetcarSuburbs.News.
Our staff consists of volunteer writers and photographers who are eager to use their talents to benefit the community, and there is never a shortage of stories to tell and photos to share.
Student journalism internships around Hyattsville, College Park, and Laurel
In the past, we have mentored and coached student journalists on both the secondary and collegiate levels. We also work closely with the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland and the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University.
During the fall and spring semesters, we select as many as six interns. Additionally, during the summer, we have four interns. All internships are designed for college students pursuing a career in journalism.
General requirements for our student writers:
- Strong writing and grammatical skills
- Understanding of Associated Press style
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Strong commitment to quality work and accuracy
- Willingness to have work edited
- Understanding of journalistic integrity
Each article written must focus on a resident, event, or something of interest for the residents of the City of Hyattsville (for the Hyattsville Life & Times), the City of College Park (for the College Park Here & Now), and the City of Laurel (for The Laurel Independent).
To submit a class assignment as a one-time article for consideration, please email the article to either:
Griffin Limerick for the Hyattsville Life & Times
griffin@streetcarsuburbs.news
Sharon O’Malley for the College Park Here & Now
sharon@streetcarsuburbs.news
Katie Jones for The Laurel Independent
katie@streetcarsuburbs.news
Internship Program
Fall and spring semesters: We look for college students who want front-line experience in news, business, features, education, and sports reporting. We also welcome those interested in still and video photography as well as graphic design and social media as a news source. Internships are non-paid. We can customize the experience to accommodate the requirements of college-level course-credit internship classes at nearby universities.
Summer interns: From a nationwide pool of candidates, we select four interns seeking front-line experience in news, business, features, education, and sports reporting. We also seek interns interested in still and video photography as well as graphic design and social media for news.
What do interns do?
The same work as our staff writers. Our objective is to help interns grow with challenging assignments. Interns must contribute at least 10 hours per week and one article per week, which could be submitted for web or print. All interns are required to cover at least one-weekend event during their internship period. Interns are expected to become familiar with the city and our publication.
Who can apply?
Undergraduate and graduate college students. You don’t have to be a journalism or communications major, but college newspaper experience or a previous internship is a plus. We look for a good academic record, a strong desire to be a journalist, and work samples that show talent and promise. Interns should have reliable access to transportation.
How do I apply?
Send an application packet that includes a cover letter, a resume, and an appropriate sampling of your work. The cover letter should state what the applicant is most interested in doing (for example, general hard news reporting, a particular beat, or photography), a proposed work schedule, and availability for evening or weekend team meetings.
The application must include at least one reference, including a phone number. Documentation explaining the requirements for college credit must be also received at the same time.
For internships with the College Park Here & Now, the monthly print newspaper that goes to every address in College Park, please send your application to Sharon O’Malley at sharon@streetcarsuburbs.news.
For internships with the Hyattsville Life & Times, the monthly print newspaper that goes to every address in Hyattsville, please send your application to Griffin Limerick at griffin@streetcarsuburbs.news.
For internships with The Laurel Independent, the monthly print newspaper that goes to every address in Laurel, please send your application to Katie Jones at katie@streetcarsuburbs.news.
For an internship focusing on developing content for our website and social media, please send your application to Jessica Burshtynskyy at jessica@streetcarsuburbs.news.