Six college students are recipients of the California Press Foundation’s 2026 internship grants.
The students who each have demonstrated an exceptional interest in pursuing careers in the news business in California will each receive a $3,000 educational grant upon beginning their internships.
“What stood out about this year’s applicants was a collective understanding not just of the craft but the civic responsibility of journalism,” said Linda Bowen, chair of Cal Press and head of its grants committee. “From community-centered reporting to visual storytelling and data-informed narratives, these emerging journalists will bring purpose, adaptability and commitment to serving audiences with accuracy and care to any newsroom they enter.”
Students are required to pursue and secure internships at California news companies. Internships, which can occur in spring, summer or fall, must be full-time and last at least six weeks.
The 2026 newsroom internship recipients, colleges and hometowns are:
- Desmond Meagley, Laney College; Oakland
- Julia Torres, California State University, Northridge; Santa Barbara
- Michael Molcsan, Foothill Community College; Sunnyvale
- Nikki Yunker, El Camino College; Torrance
- Paulina Castellanos Wade, San Diego State University; San Diego
- Zamourad Iqbal, Pierce College; Winnetka
Since 1995, Cal Press has funded nearly 200 internship grants, placing student journalists in dozens of small, medium and large legacy newsrooms and non-profit community media outlets and start-ups across California—from San Diego to the far North Coast. To contact the finalists about hosting, please email info@cal-press.org.