Dordt University will host its second annual WORLD Journalism Institute (WJI) High School Course from June 3 – 7, 2024. The course, which is open to students who have completed at least one year of high school, provides an opportunity to learn more about digital storytelling and communication from a biblical perspective.
Dordt University will host its second annual WORLD Journalism Institute (WJI) High School Course from June 3 – 7, 2024. The course, which is open to students who have completed at least one year of high school, provides an opportunity to learn more about digital storytelling and communication from a biblical perspective.
A partnership between Dordt and WORLD News Group, the camp will be led by Dordt’s communication faculty who have years of industry experience in reporting, video storytelling, live streaming, public relations, and more. During the five-day on-campus experience, students in 10th through 12th grade will create podcasts, film videos, execute interviews, write stories, learn about crisis communication, and more. The course provides opportunities to explore the local community and engage with professionals from a variety of industries.
“Looking at the state of our media and journalism in the U.S. right now, it’s so encouraging to see young men and women who are eager to learn to be strong communicators—in God-honoring ways—come to our campus for a week of learning and fun,” says Mark Volkers, digital media production instructor at Dordt and WJI course leader.
“You’ll learn about the many different career opportunities in the communication field while also gaining experience and making new friends.”
Students will also get a taste of the college experience by living in Dordt’s dorms, eating in the dining commons, attending classes, and making friends.
“It’s totally worth it, even if you’re not 100 percent sure you want to be a journalist,” says Bella McManus, who attended the 2023 course. “You’ll learn about the many different career opportunities in the communication field while also gaining experience and making new friends.”
The World Journalism Institute equips and encourages students by growing their skills, their portfolio, and their faith. The course provides engaging in-person instruction and hands-on reporting experiences, to teach students how to communicate stories informed by a Biblical foundation.
Students come to the course from across the U.S. and from a variety of educational backgrounds. The 2023 camp welcomed students from eight states and represented the home school, public school, and private Christian school sectors.
“Our youngest generations have little difficulty knowing what media tools are the most popular, most useful, or most appealing, but often struggle in knowing how to use media effectively—and why,” says Dr. Bruce Kuiper, professor of communication at Dordt. “This course offers a strong introduction to handling the complex work of media with faith and with skill.”
“I know that whatever career path God leads me into, I want to be an effective communicator, whether it involves directly writing, doing journalism, or reporting or writing on the side,” says Jordan Butts, a 2023 course graduate from North Carolina. “I want to be an effective investigator and communicator of ideas for Christ.”
World Journalism Institute was founded in 1999 as a training intensive conducted by WORLD News group to “offer Christians ways to explore their calling in the fast-growing field of multimedia journalism.” The program has had a hand in training up expert journalists and communicators who have gone on to work for regional, national, and international media outlets. The WJI High School course is the latest addition to WJI.
The cost for the course is $375, which includes room and board, meals, and classes. For more information and to register visit https://wji.world/programs/high-school.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
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