Your connection to collegiate news | Sept. 8, 2026

Editor's Note: As the summer comes to a close, so does the SCPA Foundation's internship program. Let's hear from Morgan Cook of USC, who spent her summer at The Post and Courier in Charleston. Morgan is assistant news editor for The Daily Gamecock. 

By Morgan Cook, University of South Carolina Junior
My experience as a trending reporter for The Post and Courier was truly one-of-a-kind. Within the first hours of my first day, I was sent out to cover a private viewing of a shadow box installation at the International African American Museum. That story ran as the centerpiece for Memorial Day and quickly set the tone for an unforgettable internship, during which I published 37 articles.
Throughout my eight weeks I covered a wide variety of stories for the trending team. I had the opportunity to board America’s Tall Ship, cover the Emanual AME Church noonday prayer, provide a behind the scenes look at a newly renovated Walmart and so much more. I had the chance to immerse myself in so many different topics such as features, business, and local news.
Linked below are just a few of my favorite articles:

Each story strengthened my skills as a journalist. I not only gained stronger reporting skills but learned how to ask more in-depth questions when interviewing, how to manage multiple assignments all at once, and how to use my surroundings to add more meaning into my articles.
My time as a trending reporter taught me more about myself than I expected. It challenged me to grow as a person and journalist, all while confirming that journalism is the career that I want to pursue. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to learn from other journalists around me, and I can’t wait to bring the skills back to USC as I continue my undergraduate degree and later into my career as a full-time journalist.

How to apply 
Each eight-week internship pays $4,480 and is open to student journalists who attend a four-year college in South Carolina or reside in South Carolina and attend a four-year college elsewhere. Rising juniors and seniors are eligible to apply by Dec. 1.

The S.C. Press Association is partnering with SC Investigates to host a FREE virtual panel discussion on writing for impact. The event will be held over Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 2-3 p.m.

Learn how to grow your accountability and investigative journalism skills from the recent winners of South Carolina’s A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism!
Regardless of your beat or your organization’s size, frequency or resources, you’ll walk away with practical skills.