FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026
CONTACT:
Jane Hungarter
janeh@pa-news.org
(717) 703-3025
In its second year, the program aims to create a statewide internship hub connecting student journalists with professional opportunities across Pennsylvania.
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The PNA Foundation announced it has secured $115,000 in funding for its Newsroom Internship Program, fully supporting the program for summer 2026, with additional financial commitments for 2027 and 2028.
A pilot program launched in summer 2025 placed 11 students in nine newsrooms at a competitive $20 an hour wage. Participating newsrooms pay half of the hourly wage, with the PNA Foundation covering the remaining portion.
As of this date, the PNA Foundation is reporting significant growth metrics over 2025 for the 2026 summer program, including:
- 77% increase in student applications
- 44% increase in newsroom participation
- 64% increase in student interns
- 156% increase in program funding
“We are thrilled with the success of our pilot and look forward to growing the program,” said Tanya Henderson, executive director. “Increased funding will not only place more students in more newsrooms, but also provide additional marketing support to create an internship hub. Students will learn about opportunities through a dedicated web portal, and newsrooms can also promote their organizations. We see this as a first step in strengthening the connection between student and professional journalism opportunities across Pennsylvania.”
The PNA Foundation worked closely with the late Michael Days of the National Association of Black Journalists, along with Denise James and Sarah Landwehr of Temple University, who were instrumental in providing funding, building a robust student pipeline, and offering readiness training and mentorship.
Two Temple University student interns from the 2025 cohort won national EPPY Awards. Both credited the program with helping shape their development as journalists and giving them the confidence to pursue more ambitious stories. Another student extended their time with a news organization after the internship ended.
Although the program is a statewide initiative, the PNA Foundation has introduced regional groupings – west, central and east – to improve placement efficiency and expand opportunities in rural, urban and suburban areas. The program’s committee has also expanded to include higher education partners in those regions, including Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Funding for the PNA Foundation Newsroom Internship Program is provided by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, the Calkins Foundation, the Allegheny Foundation and a private donor.
The PNA Foundation’s mission is to support the sustainability of local news through philanthropy and fundraising, training, and recognition of professional and student journalists. For more information, visit https://pnafoundation.org/ or contact Tanya Henderson at tanyah@pa-news.org