POLITICO Journalism Institute announces 2025 Class 

We at POLITICO, along with our partners, are eager to welcome these talented and dynamic young journalists to Washington. The PJI program continues to be a cornerstone of our diversity initiatives. Alumni have gone on to make significant contributions not only to our newsroom but to journalism organizations across the U.S. and globally.”

POLITICO Editorial Director John Yearwood

POLITICO, the global authority on the intersection of power, politics and policy, today announced the 2025 class of the POLITICO Journalism Institute (PJI).

The 10-day program for undergraduate and graduate students offers hands-on training for students interested in sharpening their skills at the largest politics- and policy-focused newsroom in the nation. POLITICO is pleased to share the students emerged from an outstanding and competitive applicant pool, who impressed the selection committee with their strong journalism skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

POLITICO partners with American University and the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education on the program. Two high school students from the Washington Association of Black Journalists’ Urban Journalism Workshop join for the first week.  

“We at POLITICO, along with our partners, are eager to welcome these talented and dynamic young journalists to Washington,” said POLITICO Editorial Director John Yearwood. “The PJI program continues to be a cornerstone of our diversity initiatives. Alumni have gone on to make significant contributions not only to our newsroom but to journalism organizations across the U.S. and globally.” 

Programming for PJI features interactive workshops, sessions with industry leaders and newsroom team pairings, along with guided tours of Congress and other historic locations where national news unfolds. 

"SOC is delighted to continue our partnership with PJI by welcoming this year’s new cohort to American University,” said Dr. Marnel Niles Goins, dean of the American University’s School of Communication. “These exceptional students will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills and engage with the ever-evolving media landscape, and we are grateful to have these leaders on campus." 

“The Maynard Institute is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with PJI, which has done a fantastic job of cultivating the next generation of journalists," said Felecia D. Henderson, institute senior director of strategic initiatives. "We are inspired by the passion and perspective of the 17 students participating this year. Supporting PJI reflects our deep commitment to strengthening inclusive journalism."

Participants split time between the POLITICO newsroom in Arlington, Virginia, and American University. 

POLITICO Journalism Institute’s 2025 Class 

College Participants

Veronica Violet Bianco - Colorado College  

Ronni Butts - North Carolina Central University  

Diya Contractor - Trinity University  

Laney Crawley - UNC at Chapel Hill  

Rachael Dziaba - Harvard University  

Marisa Guerra Echeverria - Northwestern University 

Savannah Grooms - University of Maryland  

Mara Mellits - Boston University  

Maia Nehme - Yale University 

Caleb Ogilvie - American University  

Chinanuekpele (Chinanu) Okoli - Boston University  

Janelle Sears - Florida A&M University 

Daviel (Davi) Schulman - Connecticut College  

Diamy Wang - University of Pennsylvania  

Jerry Wu - Northwestern University 

 High School Participants

Dorothy Quanteh - Charles Herbert Flowers High School, Springdale, MD  

Jasmine Tucker - Bowie High School, Bowie, MD 

About POLITICO:

POLITICO is the global authority on the intersection of politics, policy, and power. It is the most robust news operation and information service in the world specializing in politics and policy, which informs the most influential audience in the world with insight, edge, and authority. Founded in 2007, POLITICO has grown to a team of more than 1100 across North America, and Europe. In October 2021, POLITICO was acquired by, and is subsidiary of, Axel Springer SE.