Since 1990, AWSM has placed about 100 female college students interested in sports media careers in paid internships with employers such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN, USA Track & Field and some of the country’s most respected daily newspapers.
All interns receive a $1,000 scholarship from AWSM in addition to whatever pay the internship provides. Copy editing interns receive an additional $1,000 scholarship from the Associated Press Sports Editors. All interns also receive $300 toward travel expenses to the annual AWSM convention, waived convention registration fees and free lodging at the host hotel.
Former AWSM interns now work at top media organizations such as The Associated Press, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post and ESPN.
Applications for the summer 2009 program must be submitted through our new online application system by Friday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. Eastern time (2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain, noon Pacific).
• Applicants must be full-time female students seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree during the 2008-2009 academic year. • Previous winners are not eligible. • Membership in AWSM is not required. But applicants can join AWSM for just $15 in addition to their $20 application fee.To read about member benefits,click here.
• AWSM board members and appropriate media professionals will serve as judges. • Applicants may be contacted by phone for an interview. • All intern placements are final decisions, made jointly by AWSM and the employer. • Interns are expected to serve a full term with the employer. • Interns will receive half of their scholarship money at the start of the internship and the remaining half upon completion of the internship.
How does AWSM determine at which media organization each intern is placed? In some categories, the top candidate, as determined by a panel of media professionals and AWSM board members, will be offered an internship at an organization that has agreed to host an intern. In other categories, the top candidates will be asked to accept a spot in the AWSM program before they are placed in a specific internship. Some winners will be asked to choose among host organizations after reviewing information about the organizations and the internships they offer.
Which media organizations will be involved in the 2009 program?
Employers for 2009 have not been finalized.
Can AWSM guarantee winners will be offered an internship in their preferred region of the country? No.
When and how will I find out whether I have been selected?
All applicants will be notified by e-mail or phone. Please check our home page for regular updates on the status of the selection process. Due to the high volume of e-mails, AWSM board members may not be able to respond individually to all queries.
Can I apply in more than one category (e.g. editing and web production)? Yes. Applicants can choose to be considered in up to two categories. You will be asked to rank the categories in the application system.
Do you offer internships in times of year other than the summer?
AWSM is in discussion with employers who might offer internships lasting longer than summer break and/or in alternate seasons. Applicants should indicate on their application form whether they would like to be considered for such arrangements.
Are current college seniors eligible?
Yes. Any students attending college full-time during the 2008-09 school year are eligible. That includes students who graduate in December 2008.
What if I'm unable to upload my resume, letter of recommendation and work samples?
Applicants have the option of sending hard copies of those items by regular mail. They must be postmarked by Oct. 31. All applicants must complete the other parts of the online application form. The mailing address is:
AWSM Internship/Scholarship Program 3899 N. Front St. Harrisburg, PA 17110
What if I'm unable to pay online via PayPal?
Applicants can send a check or money order made out to AWSM via regular mail to the above address. It must be postmarked by Oct. 31.
The Association for Women in Sports Media is proud to introduce a new program, the AWSM Internship Opportunity Grant. AWSM will pay for the salary of one female sports writing intern during the summer of 2009 at a selected newspaper, made possible by a contribution from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation.
Arizona Republic Boston Globe Cincinnati Enquirer Cleveland Plain Dealer Colorado Springs Gazette Detroit News ESPN Fort Worth Star-Telegram Gannett The Journal News (White Plains, NY) The Miami Herald Minnesota Vikings MLB.com Newark Star-Ledger Newsday Nike The Philadelphia Inquirer Rochester Democrat-Chronicle Salt Lake Tribune Sports Illustrated St. Petersburg Times The Virginian-Pilot USA Track & Field U.S. Olympic Committee
