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High School J-Days

Learn, Experiment, and Grow as a Journalist

Learn the skills you need to make the move from high school to college journalism-and maybe even more! With DePaul's High School J-Days, you'll learn from some of the best journalists in the country, in the heart of one of the nation's top news markets.

You'll not only participate in workshops with experienced professionals, you'll also learn from recent graduates of DePaul's journalism program who work for outlets such as the Chicago Tribune, NBC, ABC, Block Club Chicago, Lee Newspapers,  and WBBM NewsRadio 780.

The two-day hands-on workshop will include sessions on writing headlines and anchor intros, crafting strong ledes, interviewing subjects, and taking that picture worth a thousand words. In between, we will be there to answer your questions about pursuing a reporting or producing career. 

High School J-Days 2026 Workshop

High School J-Days 2026 will be held July 13-14, 2026. The application will open on March 2, 2026. Check back here for workshop details, the application process, and deadlines. Send inquires to the J-Days team here.

High School J-Days 2025 Workshop ​​

Twenty students from across Chicagoland attended the inaugural High School J-Days workshop in July 2025. Topics covered over the two days included how to take compelling photos and videos, writing for multiple forms of media, and improving interviewing skills. Students connected with Chicago journalists at every level, from DePaul alumni early in their career to respected veterans with deep industry experience. 
 

 
We were pleased to partner with the Illinois Broadcasters Association​, our sponsor for the 2025 workshop.  
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After a photo assignment in the Loop, students returned to campus where photojournalism professor Robin Hoecker evaluated their work. Photo credit: Abreonna Chamberlain/DePaul Student Photo Agency

J-Days students grabbed a photo with NBC Chicago's Chuck Goudie during a break. Goudie worked with students on their interviewing skills during the two-day workshop. Photo credit: Aubreonna Chamberlain/DePaul Student Photo Agency.

News leaders from across Chicago convened for a lunchtime roundtable discussion and Q&A with students, moderated by CJIE co-founder Carol Marin and CBS Chicago President and General Manager Jennifer Lyons. Photo credit: Aubreonna Chamberlain/DePaul Student Photo Agency.

NBC Chicago Reporter Jenn Schanz and Chicago Tribune Data Reporter Claire Malon, both alums and former DePaul student journalists, spoke with J-Days students about the transition from high school to college to professional life. Joined here with CJIE Director Lisa Parker and former Station Manager and VP of News for NBC Universal Frank Whittaker. Photo courtesy of S. Ramsay.

J-Days students toured the CBS Chicago studios during the two-day workshop. Photo courtesy of Lisa Parker.