During a 12-day immersive journalism workshop at Elon University, 18 high school students explored reporting, storytelling, and media production while gaining firsthand experience in the communications industry.
By the time Mariana Prieto arrived on Elon University’s campus this summer, the rising high school senior from Queens, New York, had already built an impressive résumé: senior editor of her school newspaper, a student intern on a New York City Council campaign, and a contributor to Teens for Press Freedom, a national youth-led journalism advocacy group. She also juggles leadership roles in academic clubs and varsity sports.
But despite that experience, Prieto says she found something unique in Elon’s Emerging Journalists Program (EJP).
“Every day was filled with such valuable information,” she said. “I loved conducting interviews, writing articles and receiving feedback, constructing our broadcasts, and designing the newspaper layout. I know I will take with me everything I learned – not just how to edit, but the practice of a strong work ethic and preparing myself for the future.”
Prieto was one of 18 students selected for EJP’s fourth Immersion cohort, a university-funded, 12-day workshop designed to support rising high school seniors interested in journalism and communications. Representing eight states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the students earned college credit while participating in a working newsroom, faculty-led workshops and mentoring sessions with Elon undergraduates – all while producing professional-level multimedia stories.
“Mariana represents the kind of curious, motivated student we hope to reach through EJP,” said Colin Donohue, EJP program director and assistant professor of journalism. “She brought a strong background to the table, but still approached every assignment with a learning mindset. That kind of energy helped set the tone for this year’s group.”
Donohue noted that the 2025 cohort stood out not only for its talent but also for its chemistry.
“This year’s Emerging Journalists Program cohort was one of the most cohesive we’ve ever had,” he said. “Many of the students arrived with limited journalism experience, but they left with newfound confidence, skills and a clearer vision of their future – often in communications.”
In addition to producing a newspaper and television news broadcast, the students toured Trailblazer Studios in Raleigh and ABC affiliate WTVD-TV in Durham, where they met with award-winning anchor Steve Daniels P’23, a member of the School of Communications National Advisory Board. They also visited the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, conducted a press conference with Rep. Reneé Price, and explored the state Capitol. A night at a Winston-Salem Dash baseball game provided time to connect outside the classroom and collect multimedia content on location.
Zoya Balakrishnan, a rising senior from Warren, New Jersey, said her EJP experience “solidified my goal to pursue communications.”
“I learned so much as a member of EJP – not just about journalism and Elon, but about the confidence and independence I’ll need in college,” she said. “I also gained supplemental skills that are key to higher education – confidence, independence and networking.”
Chase Slesinger-Hall, a rising senior from Aspen, Colorado, echoed the sentiment, describing EJP as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” that “opened doors to so many new potential career paths.”
Originally launched in 2021 through a three-year grant from the Scripps Howard Fund, the Emerging Journalists Program is now financially supported by Elon University. This year, EJP received a record 170 applications, with all applicants invited to participate in the program’s virtual Exposure experience in the spring.
Donohue praised the university’s continued support and recognized the contributions of Kelly Furnas, EJP curriculum coordinator and senior lecturer in journalism, along with the many Elon faculty and staff who help make the program possible.
“EJP only happens because of the dedication of so many people behind the scenes,” Donohue said. “From reviewing hundreds of applications to helping shape a meaningful 12-day experience, we rely on a team that believes in the power of an Elon education. That collaboration is what makes this program a true springboard for our students’ future successes.”
When the fall 2025 semester begins, 16 former EJP students will be enrolled at Elon.
To see the 2025 EJP cohort in action, visit this Flickr album.
