UNITY offers opportunities for student journalists

Want to rub shoulders with some of the most respected journalists in the nation? Want to work in a converged newsroom, producing innovative journalism across media platforms? Want to get a free trip to Chicago this summer?

UNITY '08 needs you!

UNITY: Journalists of Color is seeking student journalists to cover the UNITY '08 Convention in Chicago July 23-27. UNITY will pay for the selected student journalists’ meals, travel and lodging.

The UNITY ’08 convention will offer a great opportunity to learn newsroom skills from veterans. The student news team, mentored by professional journalists, will produce a Web site, a newspaper, audio features and short television newscasts. While generating content, students will get training in video, audio production, webcasting, podcasting, and multimedia skills that are now key to building a solid resume.

Founded in 1986, UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc. is an alliance of four ethnic journalists associations, which work together as a force for positive change to advance the presence, growth and leadership of journalists of color in the global news industry. Every four years, the four national journalism organizations--the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association--hold a joint national convention.

The 2008 convention is expected to be the largest journalism convention in the world, drawing more than 10,000 reporters, editors, and other media professionals.

All applicants must be:

* Current college undergraduates or graduate students. This includes students who currently attend community colleges and students who will graduate in May/June 2008.

* A member of one of the ethnic journalists associations.

* Available to take part in the program from at least July 20 through July 27, 2008.

* At least 18 years of age by July 20, 2008.

Student members of the Asian American Journalists Association can apply here.

Student members of the National Association of Black Journalists can apply here.

Student members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists can apply here.

Student members of the Native American Journalists Association can apply here.

The application deadline is today, March 31, 2008 but the NAHJ deadline has been extended to April 4.