The Society of Professional Journalists is seeking 12 interns for The Working Press, a daily tabloid newspaper and online news site, that will cover the Excellence in Journalism 2012 conference. Collegiate student reporters, editors, photographers and designers are invited to apply for these select positions.

This year’s conference is set for September 20-22 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Selected interns will need to arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday, September 19 and attend a mandatory 2 p.m. staff meeting. The internship ends Sunday, September 23 at Noon.

This year's topic: “Why is it important that we have news media that are independent of the government?”

The Society of Professional Journalists wants to increase high school students' knowledge and understanding of the importance of the Free Media to our lives. National winners of this essay contest receive scholarship awards.

All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools are eligible. Students must submit original work and have a sponsoring teacher sign the contest entry form.

All entries must be postmarked by March 8, 2012, so don't delay — send in your work today!

The SPJ Blog for the Campus Community. Latest entries:

– SPJ’s 2012 Student Opportunities
– Mark of Excellence Awards Deadline Approaching
– SPJ Chapter Records Musical Minutes
– Excellence in Journalism 2011
– 20 Toolkits for Journalists
– Refreshing Spring Program Ideas
– 10 Tips for Building Better Resumes
– Three campus board members return
– Mirfendereski joins national leadership team
– New national leadership: Kym Fox

Grab a slice and let the pros dice. That's right, it's Slice 'n' Dice, a program that brings together students and professionals for networking, résumé critiques and grub. We've got everything you need in the "virtual" box, including directions, flyers and a sign up sheet. There are even some nifty table tents to spruce up the place. All you need to do is bring in the pros and order some pizza.

Also check out: Journalism Movie Night

About Programs in a Box

Is your campus chapter in need of a simple, cost efficient program to draw in members or just have fun? If so, we can help!

Because we understand that sometimes the clock just moves too fast and budgets are just too small, we've recently created Programs in a Box to help you implement a successful program with little planning and little cash.

The Society of Professional Journalists understands that changes in the industry have forced educators to rethink and revise curricula. They are being asked — or required — to help students learn about everything that’s new while still teaching the reporting and writing skills that serve as the foundation of journalism. Institutions of higher learning are breaking their budgets to keep up with new software, new hardware and new gadgets. The job of a journalism educator is more demanding than ever before.

Just know that you are not alone. And the Society of Professional Journalists is there to help.

Become a Collegiate Institutional Member

Becoming a Collegiate Institutional Member in SPJ is one of the easiest ways your school can demonstrate to students (and parents) its commitment to producing the best journalists possible. For just $400 a year, your school can join SPJ as a Collegiate Institutional Member and receive the following benefits.

Check out SPJ's Generation J Committee Blog. Latest entries:
– Social Media Coordinator and Editor: Mutually Exclusive?
– Five Newsletters You Should Be Getting
– Don’t believe everything you read on Craigslist
– On the Hunt for Microfilm
– Your 2012 Bureau Queen
– Quality vs. SEO
– Should I go to J-School? Google’s answer
– 2012: The Apocalypse and the final year of journalism
– So, are you with the band? A novice approach to covering concerts
– Caught On Hidden Camera: Ethical or Not? You Decide

The Society of Professional Journalists is here to support student journalists nationwide as they begin to mold their careers. Whether it’s a campus chapter, student media outlet or individual, SPJ is here to offer advice, training and up-to-date information on important freedom of information decisions.

Follow this link for resources that can help you and your chapter regarding freedom of information news and education.

You've finished school and are trying to make sense of the big, bad (as in good, of course) world of journalism. Now what? Welcome to Generation J, the place where future newsroom leaders can collaborate to build newsrooms of the future.