- 09 November, 2026
Rome, November 9, 2026: The EWTN Vatican Office has opened applications for its 2027 Summer Academy, inviting young Catholic journalists, content creators and media professionals from around the world to participate in an intensive training programme in Rome from 21 June to 1 July 2027.
The 10-day programme aims to equip the next generation of Catholic communicators with professional media skills while deepening their understanding of the Church's mission of evangelisation through journalism, digital storytelling and visual communication.
The academy will welcome approximately 40 to 45 selected participants between the ages of 21 and 35. Applications are open until 18 December 2026, with successful candidates receiving the opportunity to participate free of charge.
Professional training in Catholic media and journalism
The EWTN Summer Academy is designed as a practical, team-based and discussion-focused programme for young people interested in religious journalism, filmmaking, digital media and communications.
Participants will take part in hands-on workshops covering video production, camera techniques, interviewing, scriptwriting, video editing and digital storytelling. Experienced EWTN media professionals and producers will guide participants through different aspects of media production.
The programme will also include collaborative assignments in which participants work in teams to create short films and other media projects. These activities aim to develop their technical abilities, creativity and understanding of communicating Catholic perspectives to wider audiences.
Faith formation and spiritual activities
Alongside professional development, the academy will place considerable emphasis on Catholic formation and the spiritual responsibilities of media professionals.
Participants will attend lectures and discussions on theology of communications, virtue, beauty and the role of media in evangelisation. The programme seeks to help young communicators understand how professional media skills can serve the mission of the Church.
Daily Holy Mass, visits to major Roman basilicas and St Peter's Basilica, and opportunities to participate in papal events will also form part of the experience.
The academy will be hosted at the EWTN Vatican Office and the Pontifical Urban University, at the Centro Internazionale di Animazione Missionaria in Rome.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Catholic candidates aged between 21 and 35 who have an interest in journalism, film production, digital content creation or communications.
Applicants with at least one to two years of relevant professional experience are preferred. Proficiency in English is compulsory, as the programme will be conducted in English.
Selected participants will receive accommodation, meals and travel stipends, making the academy accessible to qualified applicants from different countries.
Application requirements and deadline
Candidates must submit an online application containing their personal details, including their date of birth, country of residence and visa requirements.
Applicants are also required to provide a curriculum vitae, a recommendation letter from their parish priest or professor, and a professional portfolio demonstrating their media or journalism experience.
Additionally, candidates must submit a video explaining their motivation for attending the academy. The video must be delivered in English, must not exceed 100MB, and must be recorded without using a teleprompter. Applicants whose videos exceed the file-size limit may provide a YouTube link through their CV.
The application deadline is 18 December 2026.
With only 45 places available worldwide, the EWTN Summer Academy 2027 offers an opportunity for young Catholic communicators to strengthen their professional abilities, deepen their faith and become part of an international network of Catholic media professionals.
Click here to apply
Courtesy EWTN News
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
