Journalism school brings high school students to campus


LAWRENCE — More than 120 high school journalism students, along with award-winning journalism educators, will “Get it Together” on the KU campus this week.

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications is hosting  the 51st Kansas Journalism Institute from June 22 to 26. The annual event will bring students from Kansas and throughout the country for workshops on writing, design, photography, leadership and multimedia production. The theme of Get it Together tells students about all the skills journalism camp offers. 

This year will be the first time students will use the new Dow Jones Foundation newsroom in the Crossroads at the Union. Students also will take classes in Stauffer-Flint Hall.

“Journalism kids do better,” said Ann M. Brill, dean of the journalism school. “That’s more than the name of a book.  The research shows that learning to report, write, edit, design, meet deadlines and think critically will help students succeed in life.  In addition, they have a lot of fun while they are here.” 

Jim McCrossen,  journalism teacher at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Kansas City, is directing this year’s camp. 

“Every summer, coaches send athletes to summer camps to sharpen their skills, and the concept here is the same,” he said. “We help students become better and more skilled storytellers so that they can return to make their high school publications better.”

McCrossen says the camp also gives participants a preview of collegiate life. And, he adds, helps debunk the myth about the future of journalism education.

“That’s right, “said Brill.  “We show them the data – there are jobs in journalism, and KU students continue to have an average of 83 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation.” 

For more information, contact the School at jschool@ku.edu.

Mon, 06/23/2014

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Penny Hodge

Media Contacts

Penny Hodge

William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications

785-864-3434