POLITICO today announced its 2019 class of the POLITICO Journalism Institute (PJI), an educational initiative dedicated to diversifying Washington-area newsrooms.

Now in its sixth year, PJI will offer 16 university students and recent graduates intensive, hands-on training in political and policy reporting. The program, a partnership with American University and the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, reflects POLITICO's commitment to developing the next wave of emerging, top-notch journalists and diversifying the talent pipeline in Washington. Two students will be selected at the end of the program for a three-month residency in the POLITICO newsroom, where they will write, edit and produce news content.

"We're thrilled to welcome our largest class of PJI participants," said POLITICO Editor Carrie Budoff Brown. "This year’s group comes from 16 public and private colleges and universities across 12 states – reflecting the wide range of diversity we strive to convene in the program. POLITICO is committed to mentoring young talent and expanding the pipeline of diverse journalists in Washington’s newsrooms."

“There has never been a more important time to broaden the life experiences of those contributing to, and shaping, today’s media environment. Expanding this outstanding program is an important step toward more inclusive and relevant journalism," said Jeffrey Rutenbeck, dean of the American University School of Communication.

“This program had impact from the start and each class becomes part of a vibrant cohort of well-trained, diverse journalists who will help shape how politics, policy and government is covered by the media,” said Evelyn Hsu, co-executive director of the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.

The POLITICO Journalism Institute 2019 Participants:

• Oyin Adedoyin, Morgan State University
• Madi Bolanos, San Francisco State University
• Ximena Bustillo, Boise State University
• Alvin Buyinza, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Maddie Capron, Ohio University
• Mel Madarang, University of Maryland, College Park
• Emily Martin, American University
• Jocelyn Moran, San Diego State University
• Kaitlyn Olvera, University of Nevada, Reno
• Christian Paz, Georgetown University
• Randi Richardson, Brown University
• Jodi Sterling, St. Lawrence University
• Douglas Soule, West Virginia University
• Meena Venkataramanan, Harvard University
• Zoe Watkins, Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Rose Wong, Duke University

The POLITICO Journalism Institute, to be held May 28 to June 7, is in partnership with the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education and American University. Programming 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 School of Communication in Washington, D.C., and the POLITICO headquarters in Arlington, Va.