WINONA LAKE - Anna Kezar, a North Berwick, Maine, native studying journalism at Grace College in Winona Lake, is one of 32 young journalists selected to participate in this year’s World Journalism Institute (WJI), a prestigious two-week training intensive for young Christian journalists.
The institute, May 15-31, will be held on the campus of Dordt College in northwestern Iowa. This institute is staffed by reporters and editors who work for WORLD News Group, a news outlet that reports on current events with a Biblical worldview, headquartered in Asheville, N.C., according to a news release from Grace College.
“It’s a real honor to have Anna Kezar join our WJI College Course cohort,” said WJI Assistant Director Naomi Balk. “WJI’s mission is to equip students with skills in multimedia journalism and a robust understanding of what it means to be a Christian journalist. Why? So that they can succeed in the newsroom or wherever God leads them to use their skills for His glory. During WJI, I love watching students gain confidence as they go beyond their comfort zone to learn new skills, build deep community with one another, and master the craft of storytelling.”
Since 1999, the institute has helped journalism students hone their craft under the guidance of experienced journalists who are committed to training the next generation of reporters. Participants will learn how the Bible informs the craft of storytelling, fellowship with a community of Christians seeking to use media for God’s glory and leave with a portfolio of publish-ready journalistic pieces in multiple mediums, the release states.
“I am excited to have a cohort of like-minded learners to bounce ideas off of and sharpen each other,” said Kezar. “I am also looking forward to having my work looked at by experienced journalists. I know the skills I learn through the institute will help me become a better writer and editor in my multimedia news journey.”
WJI has been on Kezar’s radar for more than a decade. An aspiring journalist from a young age, Kezar first heard about the institute from her Sunday School teacher at New Covenant Baptist Church in North Berwick. She knew that when the time came, she would apply. Kezar submitted her application this spring, and within a month she received confirmation that she had been admitted to the 2025 WJI.
Kezar’s long-term goal is to launch her own solutions journalism publication.
“I remember being impressed by Anna's enthusiasm and positive attitude when I met with her as a prospective student – before she'd even enrolled at Grace College,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, chair of the Department of Humanities at Grace. “I've enjoyed watching Anna grow into her current position as editor-in-chief of Grace's campus newspaper this year: She is not only an excellent journalist but an effective leader. The Department of Humanities is extremely proud of Anna; she is very deserving of this opportunity.”
The intensive course includes pre-class assignments and a two-week class residency. Some students will have the opportunity to participate in an eight-week internship. Further information is available at //wji.world/.
To learn more about Grace’s journalism program, go to www.grace.edu/programs/journalism/.