Over 500 students will fill the classrooms of Ernie Pyle Hall during July. But unlike typical School of Journalism students, these students mostly are high school juniors.

The reason for their presence is the 61st annual High School Journalism Institute, July 9-25.

High school students usually attend one of three one-week sessions covering topics such as yearbook, television news, newspaper, online journalism, desktop design, and business and advertising.

Jack Dvorak, who has directed the institute for 21 years, recommends it for students set on pursuing a career in journalism and for those still deciding. Even those who end up pursuing other careers can benefit from the experience.

"A lot of research shows that journalism can be beneficial in terms of academic writing, research and critical thinking," Dvorak said.

The workshop in itself is decidedly intense, he said.

Students spend the majority of their five days on campus working, Dvorak said. Full days are spent in classes, and free time often is devoted to finishing projects.

The students' experience closely resembles that of freshmen students. They live in Teter Quad, where they also take some classes in its Academic Center, and have campus meal plans. Current journalism students serve as counselors, living alongside the students, similar to resident assistants at the college level.

Most classes are taught by high school teachers, both from Indiana and other states, Dvorak said.

The student demographic is similar to the School of Journalism's, with 40 percent Indiana residents and 60 percent from other states.

The presence of out-of-state attendees is not due to a lack of programs closer to their home towns. In fact, high school institutes are found in most states, Dvorak said.

The one at Indiana University, however, is fairly popular based on student surveys. In fact, this year there are about 100 more people attending than last year, Dvorak said.

"We don't know why," he said. "Enrollment peaks and valleys over the years."

For more information, visit the the HSJI Web site.