Applications are now open for the ONA09 Student Newsroom at the Online News Association’s annual conference, Oct. 1-3, in San Francisco.

All college/university students who are actively pursuing a degree in journalism or who produce digital media as of the conference dates are eligible. Membership in ONA is not required. The approximately 20 available spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and a wait list will be maintained.

The ONA09 Student Newsroom immerses college students in a digital media environment by providing hands-on experience producing content for the ONA09 Web site — ONAConference.org — before and during the conference, and under the guidance of professional mentors. Students also have the opportunity to attend sessions, to network with attendees and to acquire new digital media skills.

Students selected for the ONA09 Student Newsroom will receive a free conference registration, entry to the Online Journalism Awards banquet and reimbursement for parking and local public transportation. ONA will provide roommate matching for out-of-town participants to stay at the conference hotel at their own expense. Students are responsible for transportation beyond what is outlined above.

In return, students must commit to attending all three days of the conference and will be expected to be at the conference venue — the San Francisco Hilton — early Thursday morning, Oct. 1, for coverage planning. Students also will tour a local media facility that day.

TO APPLY: Complete the ONA09 Student Newsroom Application using the latest version of Adobe Reader. Ensure information has been saved in the form before sending.

E-mail the application, a letter of recommendation (e-mailed by a faculty advisor), resume and relevant links to Sara Kelly, Student Newsroom Coordinator, at ONA09newsroom@journalists.org. Subject line: ONA Student Newsroom Application – [last name].

QUESTIONS? Direct any questions to Sara Kelly at ONA09newsroom@journalists.org.