Apply now to the National Centre RUSSIA Young Journalists School

If you have long wanted to try your hand in the media but have hesitated, now is the time to do it. The Young Journalists School, a major original project of the National Centre RUSSIA, welcomes school and college students aged 12 to 17 from across the country. Applications for the second season can be submitted on the project website until 20 October.

The "Young Journalists School" project aims to train a new generation of media professionals and create a talent pool to support the country's information sovereignty. The multi-format educational programme helps participants acquire relevant professional media skills, build their own portfolios and take their first steps in journalism. Previous media experience is not required: the main selection criteria are motivation, an interest in media, creative potential and a willingness to develop.

School participants master the entire media content production cycle. They learn to write in different genres, conduct interviews, prepare reports, work with photography and video, edit footage, run blogs, create content for different platforms, verify facts and analyse sources. Particular attention is given to modern digital and neural-network tools, as well as the ability to distinguish reliable information from manipulation.

Classes are taught by media professionals, practising experts and recognised leaders in the media industry. The programme combines theory with intensive practical training: participants work on their own projects, create multimedia content and have the opportunity to cover real events at the National Centre RUSSIA.
In-person classes at the National Centre RUSSIA are available to residents of Moscow and the Moscow Region. Participants from Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, Khanty-Mansiysk and Ryazan can also attend classes in person at the Centre's branches. A dedicated online module has been developed for young people from other regions, allowing them to study remotely.

To take part in the contest-based selection process, applicants must submit an application on the project website by 20 October 2026 and complete a creative assignment: write an original essay on one of the proposed topics and prepare a video presentation of up to 90 seconds.

Upon completing the programme, graduates receive a certificate of completion, practical experience and their first media portfolio; the best works are featured on the project’s and its partners’ platforms and in the media; and the most motivated participants receive additional professional development opportunities, including internships, participation in media projects and recommendations from the National Centre RUSSIA.

Do not delay — submit your application by 20 October! The next opportunity to join the project will only come in a year's time.