Academic Membership Program

Any New England college, university, or high school that has a journalism program OR a student publication (print and/or online) may apply for Academic Membership (application form at the bottom of this page). If you have any questions, contact us at students@nenpa.com.

Membership Includes:

All Academic Members of NENPA are offered an upgraded listing in our Journalism Program Directory. The listing contains your logo, description area, and links to your journalism programs.

Make the most of your Academic Membership by submitting ads to run in the Academic Member promotion package on the NENPA website. The package includes rotating banner ads on nenpa.com, sizes 300 x 250 and 300 x 125 pixels, and a large banner 1000 x 300 pixels rotating on top of our Journalism Program Directory.

We are running a promotion through November 24, 2024, for Academic Membership ($450 annually) to the New England Newspaper and Press Association, which includes the contest entries and all the listed benefits for Academic Membership (application form at the bottom of this page).

Each year college and university publications located in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont are invited to enter 27 competitive categories, including College Newspaper of the Year to the annual New England Better Newspaper Competition – New England’s most prestigious college journalism recognition program.

All college and university publications located in New England may enter, regardless of membership status, and submit up to 10 entries for a low flat fee of only $125.

NENPA awards up to 10 scholarships each year to aspiring journalists through the Journalism Education Foundation of New England. Our foundation strives to encourage and support young people who plan to pursue a career in the newspaper industry. College students or high school seniors who are studying and acquiring work experience that will prepare them to work in the field of journalism are eligible to apply.

NENPA can assist in facilitating partnerships between colleges and universities and community newspapers across New England. Student reporters work with professional editors to provide critical reporting to existing trusted sources of local news. Students gain valuable experience for their futures as journalists and engaged citizens and newspapers receive increased local news coverage. The programs help support a sustainable future for New England news media. If you are interested in exploring a newsroom collaboration contact Linda Conway at l.conway@nenpa.com.

NENPA provides programming for student journalists at our annual New England Newspaper Convention as well as networking opportunities with professional journalists from throughout the region. Discounted group admission for faculty and students is offered to Academic Members. In addition, monthly webinars on a wide range of topics are presented through NENPA University.

NENPA curates a list of internships available to students from our members and media organizations throughout New England and the U.S. Visit our Internship Listing page to see the list of open positions.

During the New England Newspaper Convention, we invite student journalists and photographers to bring their resumes and portfolios for review by senior-level editors and publishers. We also provide virtual resume review sessions by request through our Student Educator Community Group. Both opportunities provide valuable networking opportunities for students seeking internships or jobs.

Coming in 2025! NENPA is excited to begin offering a mentor program to provide mentors who have volunteered to offer one-on-one sessions for advice, guidance, or general questions about navigating the media industry. Mentor categories include audio and radio, data/investigative journalism, audience engagement, general reporters and editors, sports, broadcast, news design, public relations, marketing, and more.