Join May 19-21, 2026, for the 2026 Public Interest Communications Summer Institute, which will be held at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in Phoenix. The 2026 summer institute will explore belonging as a communicative practice and a contested space in this moment of division and global uncertainty.
Hosted by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, this annual, national interdisciplinary institute brings together educators, researchers, administrators, and graduate students from communications disciplines—including strategic communications, public relations, journalism, and advertising—as well as public health, sustainability, ethnic studies, sociology, behavioral science, and related fields. Through hands-on workshops and panels, attendees learn about the emerging academic discipline of public interest communications and innovate ways to introduce it to students. Grad student programming offers low-stakes research brainstorming and presentation practice. This year’s theme relates to belonging, so sessions will explore narrative change around migration, the future of the First Amendment, inclusive journalism, mentorship as a way of belonging, and more.
This year’s theme is Belonging in Action: Public Interest Communications for a Divided World. Sessions will explore narrative change around migration, the future of the First Amendment, inclusive journalism, mentorship as a way of belonging, and more.
ASU registration is just $175 (use the promo code ASUPIC). Register by April 15 to receive the discounted rate. For grad students, registration is pay-what-you-can ($50 suggested). Questions?
Contact Angela Bradbery, [email protected] or 352-294-2013.