The Jim Welch Internship Program

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For nearly half a century, Jim Welch distinguished himself as a reporter, editor and newsroom leader in Vermont and Washington, D.C. He served as executive editor of the Burlington Free Press, deputy managing editor of USA Today and, for the final chapter of his career, as a senior editor — and interim executive director — at VTDigger.

Throughout his years in journalism, Welch always focused on developing the next generation of journalists. He worked closely with college journalism students in Vermont, D.C., and elsewhere, taking time to teach, mentor and inspire. When he came to VTDigger in 2018, he formalized its internship program and built it into a vital part of the nonprofit news organization’s mission. Upon his retirement in June 2023, VTDigger honored him by renaming the program in his honor.

(Learn more about Welch’s career here.)

In any given year, between eight and 12 students and recent graduates take part in VTDigger’s Jim Welch Internship Program. With the guidance and supervision of VTDigger’s editors, they work alongside staff reporters to produce high-quality journalism and get a taste of life in the newsroom. Many program participants have gone on to work at VTDigger and other local, state and national news outlets.

We hope you’ll help us sustain and grow the Jim Welch Internship Program.

To make a gift to the Jim Welch Internship Program, you can:

  • Mail a check with “Jim Welch Internship Program” in the memo line to VTDigger at 26 State Street, Suite 8, Montpelier, VT 05602.
  • Donate online by clicking the donate button (above and below) or clicking this unique link: https://bit.ly/welchinternship.
    • We’ll know from using the buttons or that link that the donation is for the Jim Welch Internship Fund, but if you’d like to note it in the “I am contributing because …” line, we’d appreciate it!
  • Call Dustin Byerly, Director of Major Gifts, at 802-272-3754.

Thank you for investing in the future of Vermont journalism.

Donate to the Jim Welch Internship Program

To apply to the Jim Welch Internship Program:

Internships at VTDigger are paid positions. Students receiving school credit also may be considered. Interested applicants should complete this form, which requires a resume, cover letter and reporting samples.

Learn more about our upcoming internship cycles.

Apply to the Jim Welch Internship Program