The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
The Associated Press seeks a talented and ambitious student or recent graduate to serve as its 2026 Race and Ethnicity news intern. This internship lasts 24 weeks, beginning August 3, 2026.
As an intern on the Race and Ethnicity team, you’ll join a diverse group of journalists based in locations across the country to tell stories in various formats about culture, complex histories and ongoing struggles with issues of race and ethnicity in the U.S. You’ll be expected to help with breaking news coverage, pitch coverage and come ahead with ideas to amplify the team’s work for digital audiences. The Race and Ethnicity intern will be based in New York City and the staff position is covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.
The internship is a full-time, paid working experience in which the participant joins newsgathering and production colleagues in conceiving and executing our daily all-formats news report. We are seeking a strong storyteller who demonstrates solid news judgment and is eager to put what they have learned in an academic environment into professional practice. Individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications: Strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills are a must, as is a deep interest in the news and current affairs. You should be creative, innovative, collaborative and agile. Skills in more than one format (text, photo, video, audio, social media and data) are a plus.
We are seeking an intern candidate who has demonstrated the potential to work effectively in a deadline-driven, dynamic and competitive newsroom and field environment. An AP intern should have experience working in college media, as a freelancer or as an intern for another news organization. You must be a self-starter with the ability to collaborate effectively and inclusively on teams.
We will consider a strong candidate who does not meet every listed qualification. You may use your essay to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be current full-time students within two years of earning an undergraduate degree (i.e. juniors and seniors), current full-time graduate students or recent graduates (fall semester 2025 and thereafter).
You must have authorization to work in the country where the position is located for six months in 2026.
You should have advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in additional languages is a plus.
Submission materials:
A resume, which includes details on projected graduation date and/or education status.
In lieu of a cover letter, please attach the following materials in a single document:
A 300-word personal essay discussing the qualities and accomplishments you would bring to the AP as an intern: Why do you want to work for the AP, and how would this specific internship position align with your career goals?
Four to five examples of your best work. Links to an online site of your work are preferred.
A reference letter from a prior internship supervisor, media-related employer or faculty adviser on college/university letterhead.
In addition to the above packet, photo and video journalists should submit a link to an online portfolio.
Application deadline is July 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
