College Internship Program
Creative Multimedia Storytelling + Solutions-oriented Projects

How are people reinventing home and their midstory in this time of flux, particularly in the spaces of struggling middle American cities?

The Midstory College Internship Program is for the next generation of creatives and thinkers who believe in shaping the post-industrial story through a multidisciplinary framework and are eager to initiate change on the ground. Interns work closely with our team to craft and share hidden stories through research, solutions-oriented projects and multimedia production—with such topics as demography, the environment, culture, arts, education and more—to be broadcasted through our national multimedia platforms and physical exhibition & outreach.

Midstory is looking for interns in:

  • Policy
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Journalism
  • Arts & Culture
  • Design
  • This internship is for you if you:

  • Are a storyteller.
  • Are a strong writer or researcher.
  • Want to make a difference in underserved and often-ignored communities.
  • Want to develop your multimedia storytelling abilities.
  • Are a creative thinker and idea generator.
  • Can articulate ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Are a creative problem solver.
  • Believe in creating powerful research and content that is true and authentic.
  • Aspire to be a journalist, social architect, policy-maker, cultural influencer, designer, filmmaker or writer.
  • Apply Now:

    Please download the application below and remember to provide the listed attachments. When completed, you can email your application and attachments as PDFs (or multimedia files if relevant) to contact@midstory.org

    Summer 2024 Program Deadlines:

    Application due: Sunday, March 3, 2024 11:59pm (ET)

    Responsibilities:

    • Research & team brainstorming
    • Transcribe interviews
    • Storyboard, write & produce content
    • Assist with interviews, video & audio shoots

    Requirements:

    • Strong writing & research skills
    • Ability to take direction and work in a dynamic environment
    • A self-motivated, team-oriented attitude

    Recommended:

    • Experience creating video and/or audio content
    • Adobe Creative Suite fluency
    • Experience interviewing
    • Experience with DSLR or advanced mirrorless cameras, sound/lighting equipment

    While Midstory currently does not offer salaries to college interns, as a 501(c)(3) organization we offer both college credit and signed volunteer hours. We aim to provide an internship experience beyond the typical “work”—an independent but guided creative pursuit that cultivates both hard and soft skills for our interns through mentorship and community engagement. We encourage our interns to pursue avenues for university funding, as well as to communicate any potential issues directly with our team, who can provide advice and avenues for community resources.

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    Meet our Past Interns
    See what they've experienced with us

    The Downtown Food Truck Scene: A Taste of What’s to Come

    Written by Anthony Shu , Logan Sander

    Midstory has given me incredible support in my food writing projects. They arrange access to top restaurants in the city and creative discussion with skilled editors. I had never visited the Midwest before my trip to Toledo where I found a fascinating city in transition and rebirth.

    Anthony Shu

    Summer 2018 Intern, Princeton University

    I loved being able to go out into the community and dig deep to find stories. I had the freedom to explore, but also always had guidance and feedback to best tell those stories written into the fabric of the city.

    Sophia Yakumithis

    Fall 2018 Intern, Case Western Reserve University

    A New Old West End: Living History

    Written by Sophia Yakumithis

    All Aboard: Reimagining Toledo & Its Union Station

    Video by Reagan Shull et al.

    Midstory was an amazing organization to work with because they’re a group of people that are dedicated to every story told and every person who wants to tell one. They helped me broaden my horizons by not telling me what couldn’t be done but by showing me how it could be, and from that direction I was able to make my first documentary.

    Reagan Shull

    Summer 2019 Intern, Bowling Green State University Toledo

    My internship at Midstory helped me develop and learn skills and gave me practice in overseeing a project from start to finish. I loved working with the other interns in the program, exploring the city and meeting Toledoans who really embrace and invite you into the Toledo community.

    Karen Yao

    Summer 2019 Intern, Yale University

    Flavors of Home: The Recipe Behind Cocina de Carlos

    Video by Karen Yao et al.

    About Midstory

    Midstory Media Thinkhub is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in March of 2018 by four core members from the Midwest who have received an education from universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and MIT and have since returned to Toledo, OH to begin a lifelong journey for post-industrial communities. With an interdisciplinary approach, the Midstory team dedicates its operations to curating a voice out of the Midwest through research, publication, public engagement, and broadcasting. In the midst of a noisy national canopy, our Midstory is a space of connection and intersection in the American experience. We believe telling these stories will reveal and enrich the cultural narrative of these post-industrial cities, demonstrate today’s revitalization, and draw vital people and movements to uncover the foundations on which future progress may be built.

    Midstory does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class. If you have a disability, we’re more than happy to accommodate and make the interview process easier for you.