Journalism

The News School (TNS) is designed to train, credential and employ Youth Citizen Journalists to report on groundbreaking news stories in and around Chicagoland. TNS students learn to focus on true news – and not just the crime and violence that dominates the everyday news cycle!

The TNS program cultivates, and prepares investigative reporters, publicists, editors, copywriters, and enterprising bloggers to embrace the highest standards of traditional news and information reporting.

The school’s mission is to prepare and assist a growing cadre of citizen journalists, photojournalists, broadcast media reporters, newspaper and magazine designers, camera operators, video editors, website developers and social media specialists for careers in print, digital and broadcast media, advertising, public relations and marketing. The News School has become something akin to a university for the aspiring, or already established, professional writer, and media specialist.

The learning process is continual for those committed enough to become certified writers as they work through a vigorous eight-week program which is capped off by a demanding final testing and evaluation day.

The News School’s Media Boot-Camp program is grounded upon an intrinsic philosophy titled “Boldly Inclusive,” which suggests that all voices, regardless of economic means, educational level, political leanings, gender, race or any other defining characteristic, should be invited to participate in the global conversation.

For those who believe in the tenets of TNS, the school and its publications are a viable platform where the free exchange of news and information is strongly supported, encouraged and practiced. The TNS Boot-Camp program guides its students through a uniquely transformative proprietary process that illuminates, simplifies and intelligently connects rules that govern the art of written communication. TNS arranges and frames grammar and punctuation rules so that they are essentially more accessible and, arguably, far more fun and easy to adopt compared to
traditional communication courses.

The News School (TNS) helps youth to define their aptitude, attitudes, and abilities in order to explore careers in journalism and media related fields. TNS has compiled numerous resources to help youth to get a sense of their interest and skills as well as to gain employment experience and to learn about employment opportunities. While we target youth aged 16-24, exceptions are made for talented and gifted youngsters who are 15 and younger. TNS graduates enjoy varied job opportunities inside and outside of the newsroom. In today’s world, where innovative media organizations and the digital industry constantly evolve, more journalism-related jobs are being created than ever before.

Finally, The News School offers press membership to students who successfully complete the program who are interested in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, desktop publishing, photojournalism, videography, web design, and enterprising blogging. The TNS membership path builds a competitive skill set that includes creative problem-solving, critical thinking, writing, and strategic decision-making. These skills are essential for students that are interested in pursuing a college degree in communications.