Both broadcast and print newsrooms have significant disparities in diversity. Fortunately, organizations such as the Freedom Forum afford aspiring minority journalists with hands-on courses and internship opportunities to promote multiculturalism.

1. Fostering Diversity for the Next Generation of Journalists By Lauren Lea

2. Newsroom Diversity The disparity between Caucasian journalists and those of color is significant in all facets of media. Fortunately, several professional media organizations have diversity initiatives to increase the recruitment and retention of minorities in both broadcast and print newsrooms. It would be behoove aspiring journalists to research these organizations and apply to their courses, internships and seminars.

3. Freedom Forum Diversity Institute The Diversity Institute was established and is sponsored by the Freedom Forum. The Institute is an instructional organization whose mission is to recruit, cultivate and refine budding journalists. Freedom Forum Diversity Institute facilitates a series of initiatives for minority students, such as the American Indian Journalism Institute, Chips Quinn Scholars and Multimedia Scholars.

4. The American Indian Journalism Institute The American Indian Journalism Institute (AIJI) exposes Native American students to career options in journalism in an effort to diversity media companies and dispel racial stereotypes. AIJI students attend free courses at Freedom Forum’s Al Neuharth Media Center for three weeks, on the University of South Dakota’s Vermillion campus and receive complimentary housing and a stipend. After completing the courses, the best students are chosen to complete paid summer internships at various newspapers and the Associated Press (AP).

5. Chips Quinn Scholars The Chips Quinn Scholars program was established in honor ofJohn “Chips” Quinn Jr., son of the former deputy chairman of the Freedom Forum, John Quinn,and his late wife, Loie. Chips was a newspaper editor when he was killed in a car crash. The program is all-expense paid. Chosen Scholars attend a rigorous seven-day multimedia course as well as a 10 to 12-week paid internship at a newspaper. Students receive mentorship as well.

6. Multimedia Scholars The Freedom Forum Diversity Institute’s Multimedia Scholars Program is a free 11-day course offered at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee every summer. Though the course is extremely accelerated, students may earn 3 college credits. Students receive free room and board as well. The program is afforded to college students at historically black colleges and universities. The program’s top scholars are offered paid internships at Schurz Communications publications.