School of The New York Times Summer Academy

What this program actually is

School of The New York Times Summer Academy is a scholarship run by NYT / Hult. It's built for 9th–12th grade students who want to apply for funding from NYT / Hult for Journalism, Creative Writing.

The program runs for 1-3 weeks, based out of New York, NY. There is a program cost. Check the official site for need-based aid; many similar programs offer partial or full scholarships and don't advertise them prominently.

Who it's for

Programs like this get the strongest applications from students who can point to a specific reason they want this one — not just "any research program" or "any internship."

• Students in 9th–12th grade — check the official page for exact grade cutoffs before applying.
• Open to students nationwide (and often internationally — verify on the official site).
• Strongest fit for students already curious about: Journalism, Creative Writing. You don't need prior formal experience — curiosity beats credentials.

Typical day-to-day in programs like this

The following describes what participants generally do in scholarships of this shape — not a confirmed schedule for School of The New York Times Summer Academy. Always check the official program page for the actual activities.

• Complete an application (essays, transcripts, sometimes recommendations). This is a writing project.
• If awarded, receive funds toward tuition, summer programs, or educational expenses — read the terms carefully.
• Some scholarships come with a community or alumni network — that's often more valuable than the money itself.

How to apply well

Selection is competitive but not unrealistic. A thoughtful application usually beats a decorated one.

• This program lists rolling admissions rather than a single deadline — but "rolling" usually means spots or funding fill over time, so applying earlier is still an advantage. Don't wait for a deadline that may never come.
• Read the official page twice before writing anything. Note the exact prompts and word counts.
• Answer the actual question. Reviewers read hundreds of essays; specificity beats polish.

Cost, funding & logistics

Cost and logistics kill more applications than eligibility does. Sort these out before you get emotionally invested.

• Format: In person in New York, NY.
• Duration: 1-3 weeks.
• There is a program cost. Check the official site for need-based aid; many similar programs offer partial or full scholarships and don't advertise them prominently.
• If travel or housing is required and cost is a concern, email the program directly and ask what aid is available. Programs rarely publish everything they can offer.

After the program

The most valuable thing you take from School of The New York Times Summer Academy is usually the concrete outcome itself, not a network — this kind of scholarship doesn't come with guaranteed mentors or peers. Treat it as one data point in a bigger application story.

Add the program to your resume, but also write down (for yourself) what specifically you learned, what you'd do differently, and what question you now want to answer next. That reflection is what turns a summer into a direction.