FAQ

Do you have a specific question about the CSPA workshop? Find answers to the most common questions below.

If you have a question not listed here, please email support@cspaworkshop.org.

  • What is the minimum age for a workshop student?
  • Can students attend the workshop after graduating from high school?
  • Can students who don’t live in California apply? What about international students?
  • Will you accept applications after the priority application deadline?
  • The application requires writing samples. Do they have to be journalism pieces?
  • Can students submit letters of recommendation or other materials beyond the required sample?
  • Should students still apply if they have a schedule conflict that would require them to miss days, or portions of days, of the workshop?
  • Is this a residential workshop?
  • How much are workshop instructors paid?
  • What is the cost of tuition?
  • Is travel included in the cost of the workshop?
  • How are sleeping rooms assigned?
  • Is financial assistance available?
  • When is payment due for accepted students?
  • What is your refund policy?

APPLICATION

What is the minimum age for a workshop student?
A student must be 15 years old at the start of the workshop to apply.

However, being old enough to attend high school is not the most important consideration. Although students are closely supervised, the workshop is a college-like experience that requires maturity. Students must be comfortable living, eating and sleeping away from home for the duration of the workshop. They also must be prepared to attend classes that can start as early as 8 a.m. and run late into the evening. Counselors will be present to help, but students must be prepared to manage their own schedules, including waking up in the morning for class, getting enough sleep at night, and factoring in the time to walk between meals and the classroom. These are just a few of the reasons why preference is generally given to current high school seniors and juniors.

Can students attend the workshop after graduating from high school?
Yes. Students are eligible to apply during their final year of high school and attend the summer immediately following their high school graduation. Preference is given to students who apply in their senior and junior years.

Can students who don’t live in California apply? What about international students?
Yes. Students from all U.S. states and territories are encouraged to apply, as well as international students. Our tuition rate is the same for all students.

Will you accept applications after the priority application deadline?
Students are selected on a rolling basis. We continue to accept and review applications after the priority deadline for as long as spots remain available. We encourage students to apply before the priority application deadline to ensure early consideration. 

The first notifications of acceptance go out in March.  Please note that some applicants may be added to a waitlist. 

The application requires writing samples. Do they have to be journalism pieces?
No. Students may submit any samples of work that best represent their abilities. That can include anything written, including articles, essays, short stories, persuasive pieces, and scripts for video or podcast projects. The samples do not need to be published, but they must all be submitted as links online. Further instructions are included in the application.

Can students submit letters of recommendation or other materials beyond the required samples?
Yes. Students are permitted to submit an application video (not to exceed 1 minute in length), but it is not required. Letters of recommendation are not required and are typically not considered.

Should students still apply if they have a schedule conflict that would require them to miss days, or portions of days, of the workshop?
No. Students are expected to arrive and leave on the same days as the rest of the workshop cohort and attend all classes and activities in person. Students who cannot fully participate are encouraged to wait and apply the following year.

TUITION

What is the cost of tuition?
The cost to attend the summer 2026 workshop is $2,500. If you choose to make tuition payments through PayPal, there may be an additional processing fee.

Is travel included in the cost of the workshop?
No. The cost of tuition covers all expenses while students are at the workshop, but students must coordinate and cover the cost of their own travel.

Students are not permitted to bring their own cars. Many are dropped off by parents or guardians. Others travel to San Luis Obispo by bus, train or plane and are picked up at the station or airport by our faculty or counselors. If you are accepted to the workshop, we will be in touch to confirm travel arrangements as the start date approaches. 

HOUSING 

Is this a residential workshop?
Yes. Students are required to live on campus for the duration of the workshop. They are not permitted to leave unless on a workshop-approved field trip or activity and under the supervision of CSPA faculty and counselors. Guests, including parents, are not permitted. Students are also not permitted to bring cars. Non-residential and virtual options are not available.

How are sleeping rooms assigned?
Counselors and faculty will assign the students to rooms in Cal Poly’s residence halls, which provide accommodations for up to three people per room with community-style bath facilities.

The layout varies by building, but each floor or wing — including all bedrooms and bathrooms — is separated by gender. At least one counselor of the same gender will stay in the same wing or on the same floor as the students.

FINANCIAL AID 

How much are workshop instructors paid?
Our instructors are volunteers who are not paid for their time or travel. They volunteer because they love teaching the next generation of journalists. The majority of our faculty attended the workshop when they were teenagers. They know the value of our curriculum and remember what it was like to be a student at CSPA.

Is financial assistance available?
Yes. If students are uncertain whether they can afford the program, we encourage them to apply. Students should note their financial need on the application and a board member will reach out if they are accepted. Please note that an application must be submitted, and the student accepted, before we will consider the student for need-based aid.

When is payment due for accepted students?
Accepted students will be offered the opportunity to confirm their spot and pay a deposit of $400 by May 10, or otherwise indicated by email. The remaining balance is due on or before June 7. Payments can be made using a credit card, but please note that all processing fees will be the responsibility of the payer.

What is your refund policy?
Students who have paid their tuition but are unable to attend must notify CSPA by email as soon as possible.

  • At least 30 days before the start of the workshop: 100% refund, minus a $25 processing fee
  • Less than 30 days before the start of the workshop, but at least 14 days before: 50% refund, minus a $25 processing fee
  • Within 14 days of the beginning of the workshop, or after the workshop has started: We regret that we cannot offer a refund