American University (AU), POLITICO and the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education are pleased to announce its 2020 class of the POLITICO Journalism Institute (PJI), an educational initiative dedicated to diversifying Washington-area newsrooms.

Now in its seventh year, PJI will offer 14 university students and recent graduates intensive, hands-on training in reporting focused on politics and policy. The program, a partnership with AU and Maynard Institute, reflects POLITICO's commitment to developing the next generation of journalists and diversifying the talent pipeline in Washington. After attending PJI, many students go on to land an editorial role at POLITICO and in other newsrooms.

"We are thrilled to welcome these top-notch students to our 2020 PJI class," said POLITICO Editor Carrie Budoff Brown. “Entering its seventh year, this program continues to serve as a reflection of POLITICO’s commitment and dedication to diversifying the next generation of journalists. We are incredibly proud to be mentoring this group of exceptional young talent.”

"The School of Communication is so proud of this incredible group of POLITICO Journalism Institute students," said Laura DeNardis, Interim Dean of the School of Communication at American University. “These young people will become the leaders of the future examining the great societal issues of our time with exceptional political news coverage."

Evelyn Hsu, Co-Executive Director of the Maynard Institute, said, “This program has launched the careers of many young journalists who bring their diverse life experiences to coverage of government and politics. We are proud that our partnership with POLITICO and American University will enhance the future of a strong, free press.”

The POLITICO Journalism Institute 2020 Participants:

• Rebekah Alvey, Western Kentucky University
• James Bikales, Harvard University
• Kenneth Cooper, Temple University
• Madison Fernandez, Ithaca College
• Louis Gasper, Evergreen State College
• Sarah Guevara, University of Oklahoma
• Tiana Headley, Vassar College
• Marissa Martinez, Northwestern University
• Virgil Parker, Howard University
• Tori Powell, American University
• Margo Snipe, Georgetown University
• Brianna Taylor, Morgan State University
• Ta'Corian Tilley, University of North Texas
• Rose Wong, Duke University

The POLITICO Journalism Institute, to be held May 26 to June 5, includes interactive sessions, panels with industry leaders, mentoring and an opportunity for students to have their work published by POLITICO.

All costs for PJI participants, including room, board and transportation, are provided by POLITICO. Students split time between American University in Washington, D.C., and the POLITICO headquarters in Arlington, Va.