The Program 

CONNECT is a multimedia journalism training program for college students and recent grads. It aims to serve our students as an innovative leadership program for emerging journalists as well.

A cohort of 10 students will attend our National Convention, produce portfolio-quality journalism, network with media professionals and receive feedback on their resumes and career plans. They will work with mentors from organizations including NPR, the Associated Press and The New York Times to report, edit, photograph, design and produce the news of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention and the host city, while helping to ensure fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ issues at the event. Upon conclusion of the program, students’ reporting will be published on the CONNECT website and presented during a session at the convention. CONNECT participants receive a complimentary registration for convention and have their travel and lodging expenses covered by the association.

See examples of works from previous programs at https://nlgjaconnect.com/.

CONNECT 2025

CONNECT will be back during our 2025 NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention!

WHO: Current college students or recent graduates who are studying or interested in journalism
WHAT: A hands-on journalism training program for student journalists
WHERE: At the Loews Hotel in Atlanta alongside the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Convention
WHEN: August 31 – September 7, 2025
WHY: One of the five goals of our association is to support and uplift the next generation of journalists like YOU. The CONNECT program is one of the ways that we do just that!

Application & Requirements

Applications for the 2025 CONNECT Program are now open.

To apply, students must submit the following: 

• A one-page resume
• A cover letter
• An electronic copy of your transcripts
• A one-paragraph pitch of a story you would like to work on while attending the convention (see more info below)
• Three work samples
• Colored headshot and short bio

Note: students do not have to identify as LGBTQ+ or be members of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists to apply.

Need more info? See the FAQ’s below.
Still need more info? Email daniel@nlgja.org with your questions.

For Alumni

Are you an alumni who’s…

• Making big moves in the industry?
  • Share the news with clare@nlgja.org to be included in our Members on the Move section!
• Looking to give back to the program?
  • Consider leaving a testimonial to aid in outreach and fundraising!
• Wanting to mentor the next generation of newsroom leaders?
  • Submit your info to be considered as a mentor for the next CONNECT program!
• Interested in supporting our students?
  • Donate to the program now!
• Still wanting to get involved but don’t know how?
  • Email daniel@nlgja.org with your questions.

FAQ’s 

• Do I have to identify as LGBTQ+ to participate?
  • No. NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists welcomes students of all identities to apply and participate in the program as long as they adhere to the organization’s mission.
• Do I have to be a member of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists to apply?
  • No, although those accepted into the program must join as a member. Student membership costs $25/year.
• What fees does the program cover?
  • Your airfare to and from the convention city, hotel for the duration of the program and registration for the National Convention are covered by NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists. Some meals will be covered as well. Things like transportation to and from the airport, souvenirs and other incidental expenses are NOT covered.
• Who is eligible to apply for the program?
  • Current college students or recent graduates who are studying or interested in journalism
• I need more info on the required application materials.
  • A one-page resume. Please be certain that your resume includes:
    • Contact information for where you can be reached this spring and summer.
    • A list of what media programs you have used and your proficiency with each.
  • A cover letter (WORD or PDF) that answers the following questions in narrative form:
    • Why do you want to become a journalist?
    • What motivates your commitment to NLGJA’s mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBTQ+ community?
    • What do you hope to contribute to the Student Project?
    • What do you hope to learn from the Student Project?
    • What multimedia skills do you possess and/or wish to learn?
  • Electronic copy of your transcripts
    • scanned/unofficial copies will be accepted
  • A one-paragraph pitch of a story you would like to work on while attending the convention.
    • A one-paragraph pitch of a story you would like to work on while attending the convention. Pitches usually have a connection to the LGBTQ+ community and/or the host city.
    • NOTE: Pitches and stories can change, so even though you’re submitting this pitch, you are not required to work on it during the program and may change your story.
    • The story pitch should not be focused on a convention panel or plenary session.
  • Work Samples – Please submit three samples of your best work in your specialty and/or multimedia work. Students should note that they are not applying for a specific media platform so these samples should reflect their reporting or storytelling skills. Areas of specialty include:
    • Print: WORD, PDF or link to online content
    • Audio: Please submit links to your work
    • Video: Please upload to YouTube and provide links to your work
    • Photography: Please submit .jpg files or submit a link to your work online
    • Web sites: Please submit links to your work
• Still need more info?
  • Email daniel@nlgja.org with your questions.