Iowa PBS offers high school mentorship program for summer 2026
A high school student standing with an Iowa PBS staffer and learning to use a drone

High school students in Iowa can get a unique glimpse into the world of media production while gaining practical and valuable experience in the industry. In order to broaden opportunities for high school students, Iowa PBS is offering a media production mentorship program for summer 2026.

This unpaid mentorship program will give two students the opportunity to learn about and observe all aspects of media journalism including videography, lighting, editing, graphic design, web production, podcasting and storytelling. Each student will interact directly with Iowa PBS personnel during the process of creating broadcast and online content and will be challenged to create their own content.

Iowa PBS’s 2026 High School Mentorship Program begins June 12 and runs through August 5. Selected students will work with network staff during the production of any number of the following programs:

  • Market to Market
  • Iowa Press
  • Iowa Life
  • Road Trip Iowa
  • Yankee Doodle Pops

Interested applicants must complete an Iowa PBS Voluntary Mentorship Application found at iowapbs.org/mentorship. They should also provide a letter of support from a school advisor or community leader, and a one-page essay about themselves, their interest in media production and why they are a good candidate for the program. 

More information, including applicant eligibility and submission information, is available at iowapbs.org/mentorship. Applications and supporting materials should be submitted no later than May 1, 2026.