Studio CJC gives students a structured way to turn original research into real-world impact, working alongside DC organizations and experts rather than simply observing them from the outside.
Where a traditional internship places a student inside one organization, Studio CJC gives a cohort the chance to think collectively about the issues shaping media, communications, and public life in Washington, DC, then present that thinking to the people actually working on it.
Featured Projects 2026 – Coming Soon
Emilia Hueller
Title: The Sound of Connection: Inside DC’s Youth Music Community
Abstract: This short documentary explores the youth indie music community in DC, featuring conversations with artists and young music entrepreneurs. The premise of this project is to challenge common stereotypes about Washington, DC, highlighting the city’s vibrant creative culture and the role music plays in fostering community, identity, and opportunity for young people. Through personal stories, the documentary demonstrates the importance of the arts and how they provide meaningful spaces for connection and expression while showcasing the people working to keep the local music scene thriving.
Samantha Erichsen
Title: More Than a Place: Rethinking Third Spaces for Student Success in Washington, DC
Abstract: This policy brief examines the role of third spaces in supporting educational development and youth well-being in Washington, DC Through research on youth development, urban policy, and public infrastructure, this brief investigates how publicly accessible spaces, including libraries, parks, museums, recreation centers, and community gathering places, contribute to learning beyond the classroom. While the District already offers a strong network of these resources, the research examines how governance, funding structures, and access influence their effectiveness. Based on these findings, the brief presents opportunities to improve equitable access to third spaces and policy recommendations that position these community resources as essential educational infrastructure.
Jai Rhinvil
Title: The Digital Green Book: Helping Businesses Work With the Algorithm Instead of Against It
This infographic examines emotionally responsive advertising, AI systems that infer and respond to consumers’ emotional state in real time, and argues that most small businesses and independent creators are competing against this mechanism without knowing it exists. Rather than treating that gap only as a legal or regulatory failure, the infographic frames it as a knowledge gap businesses can close on their own: understanding how emotional response drives attention, views, and conversions turns the algorithm from an invisible disadvantage into a tool a business can actually work with. This argument is grounded in a real case, the District of Columbia’s failed attempt to hold Facebook accountable for the Cambridge Analytica data harvest, which shows why waiting on the law to catch up isn’t a strategy businesses can afford. The goal isn’t just naming the problem. It’s giving businesses and creators a way to act on it now.
Tyreese Ponder
Title: From the Field to the Capitol: The Push For A New Era of Athlete Mental Health Support
Abstract: This article explores the need for stronger mental health resources for current and former athletes through human-interest and policy lenses. The article presents through conversations and research that awareness alone cannot solve the challenges athletes face. Athletes have shared their experiences with mental health challenges, limited resources, and the pressure to succeed. We will explore how universities, sports organizations, and policymakers can move beyond conversations and create meaningful support systems for athletes.
Tessa Davidson
Title: Ever-Present: The National Guard’s Deployment to Washington, DC
Abstract: Through compelling photos and feature interviews with young DC residents, this magazine article discusses the National Guard’s presence in Washington, DC, spotlighting residents’ thoughts and feelings about their deployment to the city. The premise of this project is to resurface the conversation around the National Guard’s long-term presence in DC and its deployment to cities across the United States. By highlighting this issue, the piece aims to spark conversations about how the National Guard has been utilized around the country and its impact on communities.
Sophia Cachaldora
Title: The Renter’s Trap: How DC’s Junk-Fee Machine Targets Young Renters
Abstract: In Washington, DC, a renter can lose a $50 application fee over a credit check and still end up paying hundreds more before signing a lease. DC law limits rental application fees and requires landlords to disclose all costs upfront, yet renters regularly encounter charges that far exceed legal limits before they ever sign a lease. This policy brief examines why the gap persists and proposes practical solutions to protect Gen Z renters as they navigate an increasingly complex market.