Our internship program provides college and high school students with practical journalism experience. More than just writing news stories, the program teaches students how to talk to people, conduct interviews, and conduct themselves professionally.
Here’s what our interns are learning and why they joined:
Skills Development
- Interns are trained to conduct interviews, write news articles, and learn the workflow of a local newsroom.
- They practice fact-based reporting and clear, objective writing, particularly for Small Business Spotlight articles.
- Interns receive personalized feedback, with a focus on creating impactful headlines and mastering the posting process.
Program Insights
During a recent meeting, we discussed professional communication and journalistic integrity.
- Interns were shown how to manage their own story assignments and update progress using an organized posting group.
- Kiser emphasized the importance of clear communication, explaining, “As journalists, we strike out all the extra words and get straight to the point.”
Why They Joined
Each intern shared their unique reasons for joining Potomac Local News:
- Jazbia Fasih Chaudhry, from Colgan High School in Woodbridge, said, “I wanted to try something new and gain journalism experience.”
- Rosa Rivera, from Osbourn High School in Manassas, joined because she aspires to pursue a writing career: “This internship is a great opportunity to build my skills for the future.”
- Aya Karouane, of Stafford, recently promoted to Content Manager, noted, “I joined to learn more about my community. Now, I feel more connected to what’s happening locally.”
Real-World Challenges
The interns practice reaching out to local businesses for interviews, facing the real-world challenge of obtaining responses.
- “The hard part is getting people to respond,” Kiser told the group, “but persistence pays off, especially when promoting unique local businesses.”
Our interns are looking to interview small bsuiness owners to write stories about businesses in our community. We’re providing This FREE service to the community in exchange for allowing our interns to interview them. If interested, please email us.
Recent Stories
Prince William Circuit Court Judge Kimberly Irving has ruled in favor of Oak Valley residents challenging the rezoning for the PW Digital Gateway, a proposed 22-million-square-foot data center complex near Manassas.
This article is part of a series by Potomac Local News introducing candidates for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. This fall, voters will choose representatives for the Garrisonville, Hartwood, Falmouth, and Aquia Districts.
The morning quiet is disrupted by the whine of the saw and the din of bulldozers as yet another swath of woodland gets decimated.
The University of Mary Washington is now accepting applications for first-year students hoping to begin classes in Fall 2026—and those who apply early could land some of the school’s top scholarships.
SAVE THE DATE
September 11, 2025
Location: Sport Rock Climbing Center
9811 Washingtonian Blvd Ste 300, Gaithersburg, Md 20878
We’re excited to share that Molly’s Dog Care has officially opened its doors at 8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, Suite 302, Chevy Chase, MD 20815!
Whether you’re looking for dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, or training, our experienced team is here to provide a safe, loving, and enriching environment for your furry family members. Our services are designed with your dog’s happiness and well-being in mind because at Molly’s, we treat every pup like our own.
A Message from Owner Aaron DeVane:
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
