McClatchy HBCU News Internships

At McClatchy, we strive to be the eyes, ears and voice of the communities we cover. We know to do this effectively takes training up a new generation of driven and diverse journalists. That’s why we’ve launched initiatives geared specifically toward getting more HBCU students and recent graduates through our doors.

McClatchy is seeking students and recent graduates from accredited historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to gain hands-on experience from our top-notch teams while interning with select newsrooms in Summer 2026.

The HBCU News Internship is a news-specific initiative in tandem with our annual summer News Internship Program. If you are a student or recent graduate, passionate about journalism that engages the community, uncovers issues beneath the surface and effects real local change, we want to hear from you.

In addition to this program, we’ll be accepting applications for our separate HBCU Development Program later this year, which trains freshman and sophomores from accredited HBCU institutions in multiple aspects of our media company, from news to product innovation to human resources. More details on that will come later this year.

Our summer news internships are 10-week, paid positions that provide weekly skills training sessions and networking opportunities.

As a summer news intern, you can expect to:

• Be treated like a staff member, whether you are working as a reporter, visual storyteller, or audience / social media specialist.
• Receive coaching, training, and networking opportunities.
• Work with seasoned staffers and work directly with local leaders.

Who can apply:

To qualify for this program, you must be a current student or graduate of an accredited HBCU. Previous experience reporting for a student or professional news publication is a big plus, but not required. We’re looking for a passion to grow in this field. This internship program involves on-site work, so interns should be prepared to live near the location of their respective newsrooms.

If you do not attend or have not graduated from an HBCU institution, but would still like to be considered for a news internship with us this summer, please visit our summer internship page for more information.

See what our interns have had to say:

“The McClatchy HBCU Development Program is a wonderful gateway for student journalists to step into the newsroom and gain experience that can only be learned outside the classroom. I learned so much by working alongside my coworkers, sitting in on meetings and most importantly, covering news in real-time. I felt fully supported by the members of the newsroom and the organizers of the HBCU program, despite us not being in person.”
— Ronni Butts, North Carolina Central University

“Definitely the mentorship and weekly intern sessions were the most beneficial. I loved seeing how McClatchy really pours into their interns and gives us a well rounded experience outside of just having a ‘job.’”
— Madison Harris, Spelman College

“I think working with seasoned journalists was the most beneficial aspect of this program. As a hands-on learner, I feel like I soaked up so much knowledge from being in the field with individuals who are already doing what I want to do on a daily basis.”
— Kani’ya Davis, North Carolina A&T State University

How you can apply:

Please upload a persuasive personal statement, resume and 3–5 samples of your best news-related work to our online application. Incomplete applications may not be given full consideration.

Internship locations and hourly wage will vary by market.

To learn more, contact McClatchy Deputy Director of News Talent Acquisition & Development Rhema Bland at rbland@mcclatchy.com.

We believe in telling the stories that shape and shake our world. If you believe as we do, come join a company with a 160-year history of being a force for change. We have a great opportunity for you.