2026 API Journalism Internship
(Application portal open until April 11 2026 )
ACA is now accepting applications for the Asian American Advocacy Journalism Scholars program, offering a 10-week internship to four local high school students who complete the program.
The API Summer Journalism Internship provides valuable training for students passionate about Asian American culture, social justice, and civil engagement. Participants will gain insights into the journalism industry, conduct research, and write articles related to the API community. The 10-week hybrid program comprises weekly virtual or in-person meetings, interviews, writing exercises, and team-building activities. Recipients are required to produce a minimum of three articles spotlighting Asian American stories, events, and organizations in San Diego. These articles will be shared on social media and the ACA website.
Applicants will undergo a thorough selection process. Upon successful completion of the internship assignment and receiving a positive review from the program coach and the ACA board, scholars will be awarded a $250 scholarship for their advocacy work.
The API Summer Journalism Internship provides valuable training for students passionate about Asian American culture, social justice, and civil engagement. Participants will gain insights into the journalism industry, conduct research, and write articles related to the API community. The 10-week hybrid program comprises weekly virtual or in-person meetings, interviews, writing exercises, and team-building activities. Recipients are required to produce a minimum of three articles spotlighting Asian American stories, events, and organizations in San Diego. These articles will be shared on social media and the ACA website.
Applicants will undergo a thorough selection process. Upon successful completion of the internship assignment and receiving a positive review from the program coach and the ACA board, scholars will be awarded a $250 scholarship for their advocacy work.
Internship Mentor
Sinead Kiley, class of 2029 at Stanford University, is studying History and Data Science. At Stanford, she writes for the Stanford Daily and serves as an Advocacy Intern for the Asian American Students' Association, where she helps build community and amplify student voices. Before college, Sinead served as a student board member for the Poway Unified School District, bringing student perspectives to district-wide decisions on justice, sustainability, and voter engagement. She has also had the privilege of working alongside Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, State Assemblywoman Darshana Patel, and San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. A lifelong lover of writing, Sinead was president of her high school's Writing Center and is thrilled to channel her experience in journalism and public service into mentoring the next generation of Asian American storytellers.
Sinead Kiley, class of 2029 at Stanford University, is studying History and Data Science. At Stanford, she writes for the Stanford Daily and serves as an Advocacy Intern for the Asian American Students' Association, where she helps build community and amplify student voices. Before college, Sinead served as a student board member for the Poway Unified School District, bringing student perspectives to district-wide decisions on justice, sustainability, and voter engagement. She has also had the privilege of working alongside Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, State Assemblywoman Darshana Patel, and San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. A lifelong lover of writing, Sinead was president of her high school's Writing Center and is thrilled to channel her experience in journalism and public service into mentoring the next generation of Asian American storytellers.
Eligibility
- Residents or students attending schools in San Diego County.
- Must be a descendant of Asian Pacific Island origin.
- Full-time high school student of class 2027,2028,2029
Qualification
- A strong interest in Asian American culture, heritage, and social justice.
- An active leader of civic engagement and community service.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills in working with a wide variety of people in the community.
- Professional work ethic and independent time management skills.
- Mature judgment and commitment to following all governing rules and ethics laws.
- Must commit a minimum of 60 hours to write, edit, and publish at least 3 articles before the end of the internship.
Application
- Please click here to submit a brief curriculum vitae along with three writing samples on any subject, preferably related to API advocacy.
- Application deadline: April 11st, 2026
- Acceptance notification: May 1st, 2026
- Internship schedule: June 14 to August 15th
Publication
- Selected articles written by previous scholarship recipients of Journalism Internship have been published in media, including "The San Diego Union Tribune".
- All articles written by journalism students are published on ACA Journalism blog.