Frank Bolden Urban Multimedia Workshop

Frank Bolden
Urban Multimedia Workshop

* PROGRAM IS ON HIATUS UNTIL 2025*

The Frank Bolden Urban Multimedia Workshop was created in 1983 to introduce young people to journalism and inspire talented participants to consider careers in the field. 


The workshop aims to help lead to increased diversity in newsrooms, where African Americans are underrepresented. For example, in 2016, only 5.3 percent of journalists at websites and newspapers were Black, according to the American Society of News Editors.


Members of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and members of the local media, who work for the New Pittsburgh Courier, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Tribune-Review, WTAE, WPXI, WQED, KDKA, WESA, and other media outlets, devote their time to the workshop as instructors. 


The program has been held on the campus of Point Park University, Duquesne University and Community College of Allegheny County. 


Businesses and community organizations donate time, money and effort to ensure the success of the workshop.


Students meet with instructors, all of whom are employed in the media, for rigorous training in producing an online newspaper, TV newscast, podcast, blog, social media feeds, videos and photos for media projects.


The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Frank Bolden Urban Multimedia Workshop is a FREE, highly competitive journalism training program for high school students.


Additional Information

Who Is Eligible?

Up to 30 students from public and private high schools throughout the nation will be accepted, though preference is given to Pittsburgh-area residents. Housing is provided.



Students of any ethnic background may apply. Applicants must be high school sophomores, juniors or seniors.


The Focus

The workshop helps students explore journalism careers through practical exercises in online news, media blogging and social media management, TV broadcasting, podcasting and visual arts (photography, videography and web production). Students will gain hands-on experience in news gathering, interviewing and writing; copy editing; public speaking; using mobile technology for storytelling; and other crucial media skills.


The Staff

Representatives from a wide spectrum of the Pittsburgh media volunteer to help guide students.


Requirements

Every workshop student will be assigned to one of five journalism sections: online (blogging and social media); visual arts (photography, videography and web production); online newspaper; podcasting; and broadcasting. Please indicate your interest on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the most preferred section. Please note that preferences cannot be guaranteed. 


Every participant must have a command of the English language and an interest or avid curiosity in exploring journalism as a career. Students are expected to attend all workshop sessions and can be dismissed for unexcused absences.


To see the projects conducted by former students, click HERE


To participate in the workshop, please complete the application below


WORKSHOP APPLICATION


Part 1: Download the parent/guardian permission form and teacher/administrator recommendation forms to be signed and returned by mail or e-mail.


Part II: Apply



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