First Take
More About First Take
Founded in 1988, the First Take high school journalism workshop is the New York Association of Black Journalists’ flagship initiative. This six-eight-week intensive workshop is designed to equip high school students from the New York City metro area with the skills and experiences necessary to pursue careers in journalism. Through hands-on training in writing, reporting, video production, and social media, students gain a comprehensive introduction to the world of media. First Take is entirely free for participants, with NYABJ covering all costs related to meals, transportation, and educational materials.
Our Mission
The mission of First Take is to inspire and empower young storytellers from diverse backgrounds, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and journalistic integrity. By connecting students with seasoned professionals from top media organizations like ABC, The New York Times, and Audacy, we ensure that our students are not only prepared for future careers but also motivated to contribute to a more representative media landscape.
NYABJ, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides meals and covers the cost of transportation for fellows during the workshop. First Take is supported by the generosity of New Yorkers and people passionate about ensuring quality, representative journalism.