JACKSON, Tenn. — May 17, 2005 — 51社区 sophomore journalism major Jenni Betts was selected as one of only 15 college students from across the country to participate in the four-week Summer Institute of Journalism in Washington D.C.
Betts will be the third Union student to attend the program created and developed for the schools affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Of 137 schools that had students apply for this program, only 15 students were accepted.
鈥淭o be immersed in our nation鈥檚 capitol and to work alongside professional journalists in this political center is not an opportunity I foresaw happening this summer,鈥� Betts said.
The selected students will spend May 19-June 18 in Washington, D.C., gaining experience by working with area journalists and newspapers. They will cover stories in the Washington area and file their reports with local newspapers. Betts will work with The Jackson Sun. SIJ is funded in part by the CCCU, which pays for airfare, lodging and books for its participants. The only cost to students is an initial deposit fee. The program was created to help Christian college students understand more about how the media operates in a major market.
In addition to practical experience, a primary goal of the program is to help students develop spiritually. Not only will the students be challenged to write news stories in the hub of this news-making city, but they will also have time during the four-week 鈥渂oot camp鈥� for them to reflect on their own spirituality.
鈥淚 know the program will be intense, but it is a challenge that I am excited about and ready to undertake,鈥� Betts said.