Connect: The NLGJA Student Journalism Training Project - National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA)

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CONNECT: The NLGJA Student Journalism Training Project

Apply for the 2026 CONNECT: Student Journalism Training Project Now

Are you a student in search of a chance to get real world, hands-on reporting experience? Looking for an accessible way to attend the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention? Does working with attentive, qualified mentors and like-minded peers sound good to you? Want to do it all without having to pay for your convention registration, plane ticket or hotel room?

Then apply below for the CONNECT Student Journalism Training Project!

Applications are due by noon ET on Friday, April 3.

The Program

CONNECT is a multimedia journalism training program for college students and recent grads. It aims to serve our students as an innovative leadership program for emerging journalists as well.

A cohort of 10 students will attend our National Convention, produce portfolio-quality journalism, network with media professionals and receive feedback on their resumes and career plans. They will work with mentors from organizations including NPR, the Associated Press and The New York Times to report, edit, photograph, design and produce the news of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention and the host city, while helping to ensure fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ issues at the event. Upon conclusion of the program, students’ reporting will be published on the CONNECT website and presented during a session at the convention. CONNECT participants receive a complimentary registration for convention and have their travel and lodging expenses covered by the association.

See examples of works from previous programs at nlgjaconnect.com.

CONNECT 2026

CONNECT will be back during our 2026 NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention!

WHO: Current college students or recent graduates who are studying or interested in journalism
WHAT: A hands-on journalism training program for student journalists
WHERE: At the Hyatt Regency San Francisco alongside the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention
WHEN: September 6 - September 12, 2026
WHY: One of the five goals of our association is to support and uplift the next generation of journalists like YOU. The CONNECT program is one of the ways that we do just that!

Application Requirements

A one-page resume. Please be certain that your resume includes:
- Contact information for where you can be reached this spring and summer.
- A list of what media programs you have used and your proficiency with each.
A cover letter (WORD or PDF) that answers the following questions in narrative form:
- Why do you want to become a journalist?
- What motivates your commitment to NLGJA's mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBTQ+ community?
- What do you hope to contribute to the Student Project?
- What do you hope to learn from the Student Project?
- What multimedia skills do you possess and/or wish to learn?
Electronic copy of your transcripts
- scanned/unofficial copies will be accepted
A one-paragraph pitch of a story you would like to work on while attending the convention.
- A one-paragraph pitch of a story you would like to work on while attending the convention. Pitches usually have a connection to the LGBTQ+ community and/or the host city.
- NOTE: Pitches and stories can change, so even though you’re submitting this pitch, you are not required to work on it during the program and may change your story.
- The story pitch should not be focused on a convention panel or plenary session.
Work Samples - Please submit three samples of your best work in your specialty and/or multimedia work. Students should note that they are not applying for a specific media platform so these samples should reflect their reporting or storytelling skills. Areas of specialty include:
- Print: WORD, PDF or link to online content
- Audio: Please submit links to your work
- Video: Please upload to YouTube and provide links to your work
- Photography: Please submit .jpg files or submit a link to your work online
- Web sites: Please submit links to your work

View the FAQ's here.

Should you have any questions or problems with your application contact info@nlgja.org.

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Student Information
First Name *		Last Name *
Pronouns *
If other, please state
Email Address *
Phone Number *
Address Line 1 *
Address Line 2 *
City *
Location *
Zip/Postal Code *
College/University *
Year in School *
Are you a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists? *You do not need to be a member to apply. Those selected to particpate will need to join as members.
Bio *No more than 250 words
Headshot *
Resume
Cover Letter Upload
College TranscriptsUnofficial transcripts are fine
Story pitch *A one-paragraph pitch of a story you would like to work on while attending the convention. Pitches usually have a connection to the LGBTQ+ community and/or the host city. NOTE: Pitches and stories can change, so even though you're submitting this pitch, you are not required to work on it during the program and may change your story.
Do you qualify for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funding? *The Phillips-Green Family Fund subsidizes up to two students in financial need to participate in the Student CONNECT Program. This fund will provide a $1,000 tuition-based scholarship to those selected. Additional financial documentation will be requested.
Any dietary restrictions/allergies/medical diagnoses we should be aware of? *

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CONNECT 2026

Application Requirements