About the Institute

Organized by the IU National Sports Journalism Center and based at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the first Diversity Sports Media Institute kicks off June 27. The institute is sponsored by the Chicago-based McCormick Foundation.

The goal of the institute is to give high school students from Indianapolis and Chicago a real-world experience in sports media, and show them a career path in sports beyond the court or the playing field. The hope is that this will become an annual event that eventually could help improve diversity in the sports media industry.

During their week in Indianapolis, 18 students will receive instruction in the fundamentals of sports journalism. And, they will interview nationally known coaches, athletes and media personalities, and tour some of the city’s world-famous venues. By the end of the week, the students will produce a 30-minute sports TV show, and a website with stories, photos and videos. It’s a hands-on experience working with top instructors and IU faculty members.

Students who complete the institute, graduate from high school and attend college will receive a $500 voucher from the McCormick Foundation. The most outstanding student will receive a special award from Indiana University.