You need not be a journalism student to apply for the Institute. You must complete the application form, submit an essay of up to 500 words on why you want to be a journalist and provide six clips from a student newspaper or other publication. (Applicants who wish to concentrate on photography or design/graphics may elect to submit a portfolio of six prints instead of the essay.)
You should also meet the following qualifications:

• Be a student member of the NABJ or NABJ or a student at an HBCU.
• Have worked for at least one semester on your student newspaper OR have been an intern or employee of a news media organization.
• Have a letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty or from an editor at a news media organization.
• Be in good academic standing.

Applications for either Institute must be sent to:

The New York Times Student Journalism Institute
PO Box 2690
Times Square Station
New York, NY 10108