Minnesota News Media Institute

The Minnesota News Media Institute supports the local journalism that informs and connects communities across Minnesota. As the nonprofit created by the 240-plus print and online member publications of the Minnesota Newspaper Association, we work to keep trusted local news where it belongs - in your neighborhood. 

Here are some of our programs: 

Citizen Journalism University 

Created in partnership with Bethel University to help Minnesota's rural and community newspapers meet their staffing needs, CJU is an intensive, high-level journalism course taught by respected MNA editors and university faculty. The program helps rural newspapers that face challenges in attracting reporters to relocate. The five-week course includes more than 10 hours of in-class time, hands-on mentoring and practical reporting experience. It's a college-level journalism course compressed for practicality. Since its inception in 2022, more than 70 people from every corner of Minnesota have completed the course, as well as several from out of state. They came to the class with a range of life experience, from high school students to city hall employees to retired judges.

MNI Internship Program 

The MNI Internship program, funded by the Minnesota News Media Institute, subsidizes wages for 12 interns per year across Minnesota, from any journalism school (and even high schools). In 2026, requests for funding from MNA newspapers were 3 times our ability to fund internships.

Journalism Education

We work closely with journalism educators across Minnesota's public and private higher education systems. We offer student sessions throughout the year to build bridges between MNA members and students. 

Media Literacy

MNI works to improve media literacy across Minnesota, building the skills needed to discern quality sourcing, balance and motivations so residents can access and use the information they need to live their lives well.

Professional & Leadership Development 

MNI funding supports training for all MNA members in disciplines as wide-ranging as reporting and ad design to community leadership and business. Scheduled and on-demand courses in a variety of in-person and online formats are offered throughout the year for free. 

If you'd like to know more about MNI, want to schedule a speaker for your group or have questions about our programs or an idea for partnership, contact Lisa Schwarz, MNI Director of Development & Communications, at lisas@mna.org.