Climate change is the most critical story of our time, and media coverage plays a central role in shaping how people understand the crisis and what can be done about it. That’s why Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of more than 500 news outlets, is partnering with the Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism to support the next generation of journalists covering this defining issue.

This program connects journalism students with professional newsrooms that are part of the CCNow network, including Climate Home News, Sentient, Mongabay, Dialogue Earth and Deutsche Welle. Over several months, you’ll take part in specialized training, receive editorial mentorship and publish your own climate stories, with professional pay.

Whether you’re passionate about politics, science, food or local reporting, this program will help you develop the skills and confidence to cover climate change with depth, accuracy, and impact.

 

What you’ll get

Learn from experts

  • Join training sessions on climate journalism led by CCNow and guest trainers from across our network. You’ll learn how to tell the human stories behind the climate crisis, ground them in science and tell the whole story, including solutions.

Work with a professional newsroom

  • You’ll be matched with one of five outlets from the CCNow network based on your interests, location and language. You’ll collaborate directly with editors and mentors as you pitch, research, and produce a story for publication.

Get paid for your work

  • The story you publish will be paid at standard freelance rates (the same rates offered to professional contributors at that outlet).

Build your network

  • You’ll become part of a growing community of editors, reporters and student journalists who share a commitment to improving climate coverage worldwide.

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How it works

Selection and matching (January)

  • Apply through January 23rd, 2026
  • Shortlisted students will be interviewed
  • Accepted students will be paired with a newsroom from CCNow’s global partner network

Training (February-March 2026)

  • Attend CCNow-led sessions covering the fundamentals of climate journalism, ethical reporting, and how to develop and pitch compelling stories.
  • Time commitment: approximately 2–4 hours per week (including 60–90 minute training sessions, independent reading, review, and reflection) over a 4–5 week period, totaling an estimated 15–20 hours.

Story production (March-April 2026)

  • Report and produce your story with mentorship from CCNow and editors at your assigned outlet.
  • CCNow will pay students who successfully publish stories at the outlet’s standard freelance rate
  • Time commitment: brief weekly check-ins (approximately 15 minutes) and an estimated 6–8 hours per week of independent reporting and research over 5–6 weeks, totaling approximately 30–40 hours of journalistic work (depending on topic complexity and prior experience.)

Evaluation (May 2026)

  • Participants and newsrooms share feedback.
  • CCNow reviews the program’s outcomes and highlights published stories.
  • Time commitment: participants should remain available for one or two brief calls, as this phase is primarily conducted by program staff and partners.

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What we expect from participants

  • Attend all training sessions and editorial meetings.
  • Be curious and proactive, ask questions and seek feedback.
  • Pitch and produce one original climate story.
  • Meet deadlines and uphold professional editorial standards.

Who can apply

All USC students interested in reporting on climate change!

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Apply now! Send an email to Pawan Ahuja pawanahu@usc.edu with your resume and cover letter sharing your topic of interest.