Your Questions, Answered

  • The Academy is open to individuals 16 years of age and older who have an interest in sports media. We welcome high school students, college students, recent graduates, and aspiring content creators throughout Metro Detroit.

  • No. Prior experience is not required.

    We’re looking for applicants who are eager to learn, dependable, professional, and passionate about sports and storytelling.

  • There is no cost to apply to the Detroit Varsity Sports Media Academy.

    If any future training sessions, apparel, or special events require a fee, participants will be notified in advance. Our goal is to keep opportunities as accessible as possible.

  • The DVS Media Academy is designed as a hands-on educational and development program focused on building experience and professional portfolios.

    As the Academy grows, select paid opportunities may become available based on assignments, partnerships, or special projects.

  • Correspondents may have opportunities to cover:

    • Football

    • Boys Basketball

    • Girls Basketball

    • Volleyball

    • Baseball

    • Softball

    • Soccer

    • Wrestling

    • Track & Field

    • Other special sporting events throughout Metro Detroit

    Assignments are based on availability, interests, and Academy needs.

  • Schedules are flexible.

    Correspondents provide their availability, and assignments are made accordingly. We understand that school, work, family, and other commitments come first.

  • Yes.

    Accepted correspondents participate in Academy training covering:

    • Sports journalism

    • Photography

    • Videography

    • Broadcasting

    • Interviewing

    • Social media

    • Professional communication

    • Media ethics

    • Game-day operations

  • A smartphone is enough to get started for many assignments.

    As you grow within the Academy, you may choose to use your own camera, laptop, microphone, or editing software. Some assignments may also involve Academy equipment when available.

  • Yes.

    Accepted correspondents receive an official Detroit Varsity Sports Media Academy credential after completing orientation and meeting Academy requirements. Credentials are intended for Academy-related assignments and remain the property of Detroit Varsity Sports.

  • Absolutely.

    Applicants can indicate interests such as:

    • Sports Journalism

    • Photography

    • Videography

    • Broadcasting

    • Digital Media

    • Graphic Design

    • Podcast Production

    Many correspondents explore multiple areas during their time with the Academy.

  • Every accepted member begins as a Rookie Correspondent.

    Advancement is earned through:

    • Professionalism

    • Reliability

    • Quality of work

    • Leadership

    • Completion of Academy training

    • Consistent participation

    Promotion is based on merit rather than time alone.

  • No.

    We understand our correspondents have responsibilities outside the Academy. You’ll provide your availability, and assignments will be scheduled around it whenever possible.

  • Yes.

    Approved articles, photos, videos, interviews, and other content may be published across Detroit Varsity Sports’ website and social media platforms, giving correspondents real-world experience and portfolio pieces.

  • Parents are welcome to attend public events as spectators. However, media credentials are issued only to authorized Academy correspondents and staff for official coverage areas.

  • The DVS Media Academy provides real-world experience, not simulations.

    Correspondents learn by covering actual high school sporting events, working alongside experienced media professionals, and producing content that reaches the Detroit Varsity Sports audience. The Academy emphasizes mentorship, professionalism, storytelling, and portfolio development to help prepare participants for future educational and career opportunities.

  • Click the Apply Now button on this page and complete the online application.

    Applications are reviewed by Academy leadership, and selected applicants may be invited to interview before final decisions are made.

Apply Now

Parents & Guardians

Supporting the Next Generation of Sports Media Professionals

We understand that joining the DVS Media Academy is an exciting opportunity for young aspiring media professionals—and an important decision for their families.

Our goal is to provide a professional, educational, and supportive environment where correspondents can develop real-world skills while covering high school athletics throughout Metro Detroit.

  • New Rookie Correspondents may initially shadow or work alongside experienced Detroit Varsity Sports team members. As correspondents gain experience and demonstrate professionalism, they may receive opportunities to complete assignments more independently.

    Supervision and assignment structure may vary depending on the event, correspondent’s age, experience level, and type of coverage.

  • Correspondents will receive information about available assignments, including the event location, date, time, and coverage expectations.

    Participants are responsible for communicating their availability and confirming assignments before attending an event on behalf of Detroit Varsity Sports.

  • At this time, correspondents and their families are generally responsible for transportation to and from assignments, training sessions, and Academy activities.

    Any transportation arrangements involving Detroit Varsity Sports will be communicated and approved in advance.

  • For correspondents under 18, parents or guardians are encouraged to remain informed about their child’s assignments.

    Assignment details—including the school or venue and expected coverage time—will be communicated to the correspondent in advance.

  • The safety and well-being of our correspondents are a priority.

    Correspondents are expected to follow all venue rules, remain within authorized media and public areas, follow instructions from school and event personnel, and immediately report any concerns to Academy leadership.

    Correspondents should never enter restricted areas without authorization or place themselves in an unsafe situation to capture content.

  • If an emergency or unexpected situation occurs, correspondents should notify Academy leadership as soon as possible.

    We understand that circumstances can change. Communication is key to ensuring assignments are covered and everyone remains accounted for.

  • Yes. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend public sporting events as spectators.

    However, DVS Media Academy credentials do not provide media access to parents, friends, or family members. Access to sidelines, press areas, locker rooms, and other restricted locations is determined by the host school or event organizer.

  • Academy activities and sporting events may involve photography, video recording, interviews, and other media coverage.

    Parents or legal guardians of participants under 18 will be asked to review and complete applicable participation and media-release documentation.

  • Content produced as part of an official Detroit Varsity Sports assignment may be published, edited, distributed, or shared by Detroit Varsity Sports across its website, social media channels, and other platforms.

    Correspondents may generally use their published work for personal portfolios and professional development, with appropriate credit to Detroit Varsity Sports.

  • Parents and guardians are always welcome to contact Academy leadership with questions regarding their child’s participation, assignments, or experience.

    Detroit Varsity Sports Media Academy
    Email: mediaacademy@detroitvarsitysports.com

A Message to Parents & Guardians

Thank you for trusting the Detroit Varsity Sports Media Academy to be part of your young person’s journey.

Our goal is to provide more than access to sporting events. We want our correspondents to develop confidence, communication skills, responsibility, creativity, and professional experience that can benefit them long after the final whistle.

Whether their future takes them into journalism, broadcasting, photography, filmmaking, communications, social media—or an entirely different career—we want their time with the DVS Media Academy to help prepare them for what’s next.

Cover the Game. Tell the Story. Build Your Future.