WHYY Pathways to Media Careers

Empowering Philadelphia Youth Through Media and Journalism

Media Pathways Students and professionals
Media Pathways students and professionals

WHYY’s Pathways to Media Careers is more than an internship—it’s a launchpad for young storytellers. Through hands-on media training, mentorship and professional work experience, high school students develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed in creative industries.

Since 2019, more than 500 Philadelphia-area students have completed the program, with many going on to college, freelance work and careers in media.

2024 Recruitment Video:

What Students Gain From This Program

Students recording audio
WHYY Youth Correspondents Mekhi Evans-El and Alice Zeng monitor audio levels before a taping at Reading Terminal Market.

Paid Professional Experience – Students earn up to $1,400 while working on real media projects.
Hands-On Media Training – They produce video, photography, and journalism pieces.
Industry Mentorship – Students work alongside professionals at WHYY and partner organizations.
College & Career Readiness – They gain resume-building experience, job shadowing opportunities, and field trips to media workplaces.
A Voice in Media – Their work reaches real audiences through WHYY TV-12, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, The Pulse, and more.

Real-World Impact

95% of participants say they gained professional storytelling, video production, and journalism skills.
100% of business partners rate students as an asset to the media industry.
Nearly 95% of students rated the program as “Good,” “Very Good,” or “Excellent.”

Alumni have gone on to:

  • Work as freelance media professionals
  • Earn college scholarships for journalism and film
  • Win Student Production Awards from NATAS
  • Join major news outlets and media organizations

Watch Student Stories

How It Works

The Pathways to Media Careers program is built to guide students from media training to professional opportunities:

Step 1: Build Media Skills

WHYY Youth Correspondent Henry Blakelock edits video footage for his summer internship with WHYY’s social media team.

Students start by completing a free WHYY media education program in high school:

Not sure if your school has a WHYY Media Lab? Find out here

Students must complete this step to be eligible for the paid internship.

Step 2: Paid Summer Internship

WHYY Youth Correspondent Xen Gadsden gathers footage for a promotional video at Logan Circle.

Once eligible, students apply for a seven-week, 20-hour per week paid internship, working at WHYY and with media organizations across Philadelphia.

Summer Dates: Late June – Early August
Location: WHYY studios, Philadelphia
Pay: Up to $1,400 as independent contractors
Bonus: Students receive a camera kit—and keep it after successfully completing the program.

Who Can Apply?

  • Philadelphia students ages 15-20
  • Must have completed a WHYY Media Program before applying
  • Must receive a recommendation from a WHYY Media Instructor
  • Must pass a skills exam based on the WHYY YEP Skills Checklist
  • Students under 18 must submit Working Papers
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States

Youth Employment Program Flow Chart

Step 3: From Intern to Professional

WHYY Youth Correspondent Miguel Perez listens to a presentation by media instructor Anaiah Davis.

Pathways to Media Careers doesn’t end after the summer internship. Graduates continue to gain real-world experience and professional opportunities:

Freelance Paid Work – Alumni get hired for news stories, social media videos, and documentary work.
Industry Projects – They create videos, photography, and journalism for WHYY and media partners.
College & Career Exploration – Students visit top media schools and workplaces, expanding their networks.
Professional Development – WHYY mentors support alumni with resumes, portfolios, and job shadowing.
Students who complete the program in high school can continue working with WHYY for up to two years after graduation.

WHYY Youth Correspondent Shawn McCarthy prepares to present his video segments for “You Oughta Know” at the Summer Showcase.

Why This Matters

WHYY Youth Correspondents practice interview framing techniques. From left: Anthony DeShields, Tiffany Rodriguez, Patrick Baker-Evens, and Taylor Huggins-McMillan.

Philadelphia students deserve meaningful career pathways in media and journalism. WHYY’s Pathways to Media Careers provides the training, mentorship, and opportunities that turn creative passion into real careers.

This program is 100% free for students—thanks to supporters who believe in amplifying youth voices. Generous contributions from our donors provides:

  • Paid opportunities for young media makers
  • Production gear and training for students who need it
  • Career-building experiences that launch futures

Join us in supporting the next generation of storytellers.

Interested in partnering, donating, or hiring our interns? Contact:
Brianna Spause, WHYY Youth Employment Specialist bspause@whyy.org

WHYY Youth Correspondents teamed up with TV producer Everett Robinson to film a red-carpet interview special during the Lifelong Learning Event in 2025. From left: Dariana Garcia, Donna Alzalam, Shawn McCarthy, Brianna Spause, Mona Lisa, and Everett Robinson.