THE SOPRIS SUN’S 2014 HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Overview
In keeping with The Sopris Sun’s commitment to support the journalism program at RFHS, we
are offering two paid internships to qualified 2014-2015 juniors or seniors who attend either of
Carbondale's two public high schools (RFHS and Bridges). Interns will be assigned discrete
projects they can complete in the summer with weekly supervision and support from Sopris Sun
board and staff members. In the process, they will gain experience in both print and online
journalism. Such projects may include reporting, writing, photography, working with social
media, and other website-focused activities. These internships will provide income to students
while also enhancing student resumes and enriching the youth-focused content in The Sun and
at www.soprissun.com.
Eligibility:
All prospective (2014-2015) juniors and seniors at Roaring Fork High School and Bridges High
School are welcome to apply.
Details:
Interns will gain experience in both print and online journalism by taking on projects related to
the production of Carbondale’s local newspaper, The Sopris Sun. Interns will have the
opportunity to participate in various aspects of news production: writing articles, taking photos,
helping with layout, and working on The Sun’s website, Facebook page or Twitter feed. Interns
will be expected to work a total of 50 hours over the course of the summer (defined for this
project as the period between June 9 and August 22); individual schedules can be adjusted to
accommodate family vacations and other pre-scheduled commitments. Interns will be paid
$10/hour for a maximum total stipend of $500. Interns will work with an assigned
mentor/supervisor identified by The Sopris Sun’s board, with regular, weekly check-ins at
mutually agreed upon times.
Application process -- please submit the following:
1. The Sopris Sun Summer Internship application form that is part of this document and
available for downloading at: www.soprissun.com.
2. A short essay (no longer than 300 words) reflecting on your interest in and skills/experiences
as a writer, journalist, photographer, graphic designer and/or social media contributor. Please
be sure to label your essay with your name and school.
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3. A short essay (no longer than 300 words) addressing the questions: Why is journalism
relevant to young people? What can be done to keep a newspaper meaningful to young
people? Please be sure to label your essay with your name and school.
4. One or two samples of your work. (Samples could include writing, photography, layout,
blogging, etc.) Please be sure to label your work samples with your name and school.
Please submit all application materials via email to: info@soprissun.com
Any work samples that cannot be sent electronically can be delivered to the committee. Call
Debbie Bruell at 379-0214 to make arrangements. All hard copy work samples will be returned
to applicants.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, May 5
We will send you a confirmation via email once your application is complete. You may be
selected for an interview. Internship awards will be announced by May 12th.
For more information contact: Debbie Bruell @ 379-0214
NOTE: The following application form must accompany your essays and any digital
work samples. Please send everything together in one email other than hard copy work
samples.
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The Sopris Sun’s 2014 High School Summer Internship Program
STUDENT APPLICATION
YOUR NAME: _______________________________________________________
SCHOOL: ___________________________________________________________
GRADE LEVEL @ FALL 2014: ___________________ CURRENT AGE: ________
EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________
PHONE: _______________________________
REFERENCES:
Two adult references. (They cannot be related to you.)
1. NAME: _________________________________________________________
EMAIL: _________________________________________________________
PHONE: _________________________________
2. NAME: _________________________________________________________
EMAIL: _________________________________________________________
PHONE: _________________________________
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PLEASE LIST THE WORK SAMPLE OR SAMPLES YOU ARE SUBMITTING WITH YOUR
APPLICATION, IDENTIFYING EACH BY ITS MEDIUM (I.E. ARTICLE, ESSAY, PHOTO, BLOG
POST, ETC.). BE SURE TO MARK YOUR WORK SAMPLES WITH YOUR NAME AND
SCHOOL.
1. __________________________________________________________________
2. (optional) __________________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR APPLYING!
We will confirm receipt of your completed application. Internships will be announced by May 12.
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