This Is Topeka is growing, and with that growth comes new voices to help us expand coverage across sports, arts and entertainment, and community news. We’re excited to introduce three new externs who will be contributing fresh perspectives to our newsroom.
Meet the Externs

Derrick will be covering Topeka’s high school and community athletics. From Friday night football to youth tournaments, his focus is on telling the stories of local athletes and the families who support them.

Lila will spotlight Topeka’s creative community, bringing attention to live music, theater, gallery shows, and the many cultural events that make our city vibrant.

Jordan will cover a wide range of stories, from city updates to community features. Their goal is to make local news accessible, accurate, and relevant for every reader.
Why Externs?
As This Is Topeka continues to grow, we want to provide opportunities for emerging journalists to gain real-world reporting experience while also broadening our coverage. Externs work alongside our editorial team, learning the craft of community journalism while helping us highlight the people, stories, and events that matter most.
Apply to Join Our Externship Program
We are now accepting applications for additional externs. If you have a passion for writing, photography, or multimedia storytelling and want to gain hands-on newsroom experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Externs receive mentorship, bylines in This Is Topeka, and the chance to build a professional portfolio while contributing to one of the region’s fastest-growing local news platforms.
Interested applicants can Email [email protected].




