Dordt debuts World Journalism Institute High School camp

Dordt University will hold the first-ever World Journalism Institute (WJI) High School Course on June 5 – 9, 2023. The course, which is open to students who have completed at least one year of high school, provides students with a chance 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 experience, students in 9th through 12th grade will create podcasts, engage in digital media production, try out their reporting skills, learn about public relations, and more.

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.

The cost for the course is $375, which includes room and board, meals, and classes. For more information and to register, visit dordt.edu/events/world-journalism-high-school-course-2023.

“The WJI High School course is designed for high school students exploring a major in media, communication, or public relations,” says Lee Pitts, executive director of the World Journalism Institute. “Words and visuals are a powerful gift from God as a way to communicate, and we instructors hope to give students a taste of pursuing a major and potentially a career in media.”

Naomi Balk, assistant director of WJI, says there is so much in store for attendees: hands-on activities, in-depth discussions, and fun games. Their focus will be on helping students understand communication as a craft while learning alongside peers and professionals interested in the field.

“Good journalists are curious, and we are looking to develop that nose for a good story,” says Balk. “As Christians, we are to also seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, as is said in Micah 6:8. A good journalist can do this through reporting accurately on what is going on in the world.”

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.

“WJI hopes to offer a fun learning environment where students can explore what it means to be a journalist and communicator who is a Christian,” adds Balk. “But the experience won’t stop with lectures. Students will get their hands on equipment and will work on projects that will help them navigate their interests and talents.”

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.