Writing and journalism
AAJA JCamp
JCamp is a 6-day residential program run by Asian American Journalists Association. Open to: current high school sophomores and juniors.
- Last cycle's deadline
- January 11, 2026
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Free
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 6 days
- Residential
What students do
Students spend six days in a multicultural journalism training camp, staying in university housing and learning from working journalists. They attend workshops and field trips and produce news stories across print, photo, broadcast and digital formats.
- Journalism
- Reporting
- Photography
- Broadcast
- Digital media
Key facts
- Run by
- Asian American Journalists Association
- Where
- Multiple locations (residential)
- Who can apply
- Current high school sophomores and juniorsOpen to all students regardless of background or AAJA membership; applicants must be physically in the U.S. before and after camp and current seniors are not eligible.
- Dates
- June 20 to 26, 2026 (Minneapolis, MN)These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- Free; no application fee, and airfare, lodging and meals are covered
- Deadline
- January 11, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.Application opens November 3, 2025.
- Selectivity
- About 30 students are accepted each year, per the program FAQ.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Teacher recommendation
Written essays, short answers, a short video and letters of recommendation.
How a mentor helps with your JCamp application
- Decide whether JCamp fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the JCamp deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IYWSUniversity of Iowa | Iowa City, IAResidential | Students currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade | Paid, aid available | February 7, 2027 |
| NYT Summer AcademyThe School of The New York Times | New York, NYResidential or commuter | Students entering grades 10 to 12 and graduating seniors, ages 15 to 18 | Paid, aid available | Priority February 27, 2026; Round 1 March 13, 2026; Round 2 April 10, 2026; rolling after April 13, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| PSJPPrinceton University | Princeton, NJHybrid | High school juniors | Free | Round 1 runs November to January; Round 2 February to March; Round 3 in May |
| Young WritersThe Kenyon Review at Kenyon College | Gambier, OHResidential | Rising juniors, rising seniors and recent high school graduates, ages 16 to 18 | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2026 (teacher recommendations due March 7)Last cycle’s date |
Frequently asked questions
When is the JCamp application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was January 11, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does JCamp cost?
Free; no application fee, and airfare, lodging and meals are covered.
Who can apply to JCamp?
Current high school sophomores and juniors. Open to all students regardless of background or AAJA membership; applicants must be physically in the U.S. before and after camp and current seniors are not eligible.
What does the JCamp application require?
Essays or short answers, Teacher recommendation. Written essays, short answers, a short video and letters of recommendation.
How hard is it to get into JCamp?
About 30 students are accepted each year, per the program FAQ.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
