2026 Summer Internship, TODAY Californian

USA TODAY California Summer Internship

USA TODAY in California is seeking candidates for a summer internship position that is focused on newsletter writing, visuals and social media.

This internship program seeks to provide valuable experience to students and recent graduates looking to land jobs as journalists. The 2026 program is paid, lasts 10 weeks and is open to college juniors, seniors, recent graduates and graduate students.

Over the course of this internship, our intern will work closely with TODAY Californian newsletter editor and our visuals and content editor to build proficiency in covering breaking news, entertainment, features and sports news through newsletters and video and photography on social media.

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, May 1. Timeframe for the summer internship is flexible to accommodate school end and start dates. Applicants will work remote but must live in California.

Responsibilities:

• Learn the craft of newsletter writing with a goal of building an engaged audience across the state of California and beyond.
• Produce high-quality multimedia stories through photography, videography, and clear, engaging text that informs, entertains, and inspires our audience.
• Shoot, edit, and publish vertical videos designed for platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Stories, with a focus on driving audience growth and engagement.
• Collaborate with newsroom colleagues on story development, visual strategy, and innovative approaches to audience engagement.
• Produce a minimum of five packages a week that are a mix of mediums.
• Travel quickly to wherever the news occurs or is being disseminated (must have access to a car or person who can give them a ride when necessary).

Requirements:

• Degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a communications or journalism program at a college or university.
• Students must have completed one year of college. Preference given to more advanced students.
• Those who have completed undergraduate work, are in graduate programs or recent graduates also are accepted.
• Must be able to develop and maintain relationships with public figures within the communities/school districts of coverage.
• Solid fact checking and reporting skills.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and flexible.
• Open to new ideas, new experiences and learning on the job.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience performing a wide variety of tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required.
• This position requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• This is an hourly position that pays $18 an hour.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co., employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.