SPJ Training Program, in association with Google News Initiative

In association with Google News Initiative

Since its inception, thousands of journalists have been trained by SPJ and the Google News Initiative on using the continually evolving suite of Google tools. Read more about the SPJ Training Program and the Google News Initiative here.

In 2025, GNI and SPJ are bringing in-person and virtual training to conventions, conferences and regional events at no cost (we provide the trainer and pay all their expenses). In addition, scholarships are available to SPJ regional conference and MediaFest25 attendees. 

– What does the training include?
– Why is Google News Initiative providing this training to journalists?
– Who are the trainers?
– What does the host organization need to provide?
– What are the Google tools that can be taught to us?
– How do I request a training?
– Marketing a training: Do’s and don’ts

What does the training include?

The training includes a workshop lasting from one to three hours providing an overview of the Google tools or providing in-depth training on one Google tool. Longer trainings can be discussed.

A trainer is provided at no cost to your organization. Thanks to a grant from the Google News Initiative, SPJ pays the trainer’s fee as well as travel expenses.

Why is Google News Initiative providing this training to journalists?

Access to information is more important than ever. And Google tools provide valuable, inventive and often unexpected ways for journalists to access and process information for the betterment of their stories and the benefit of their readers.

SPJ and the Google News Initiative teamed up in 2015 to provide free training to journalists around the U.S. looking to apply these tools in their news gathering, reporting and storytelling. The programs are provided by talented, personable, knowledgeable SPJ members who have been trained by the Google News Initiative.

Who are the trainers?

The trainers are SPJ members who have received training from the Google News Initiative staff.

What does the host organization need to provide?

While SPJ and Google provide the teaching talent and the tools, the host organization is responsible for:

— Marketing of the training program to reach a maximum number of event attendees. Prime positioning in your program, with minimal concurrent programming, is encouraged.
— A location for the program that will hold all the participants with, if possible, table space for personal laptops.
— An LCD projector/screen, laptop audio, Wi-Fi, and power.
— Encouragement of audience to complete a brief post-training online survey.
— Prompt communication should there be any change in schedule. 

What are the Google tools that can be taught to us?

Google Alerts [Link]
Stay in the know on breaking stories that are important to journalists.

Google Surveys [Link]
Gather data from real people by creating your web surveys.

Google Earth [Link]
Tell stories with satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D building and more.

Google Maps [Link]
Show where stories happen by building interactive maps.

Google Permissions [Link]
Learn proper usage and citations for Google products.

Google Public Data Explorer [Link]
Access a world of data and create high-quality visuals.

Google Scholar [Link]
Bolster stories with academic papers, opinions, and citations.

Google Advanced Search [Link]
Research with precision. Simple tools and tips to help you get better results, faster.

Google Translate [Link]
On assignment across the world, or in an diaspora community across town, you may find yourself in a situation where you need help bridging a language gap.

Google Trends [Link]
Use real-time search data to bring people the stories they’re looking for.

YouTube [Link]
Cultivate and keep a YouTube audience.

How do I request a training?

It’s easy! Just fill out this form.

Please note: This training is available only for journalists and organizations based in the United States.

About the Google News Initiative: The Google News Initiative is Google’s unified effort to help journalism thrive in the digital age. It’s focused on three key objectives: elevating quality information, evolving business models to support quality journalism, and empowering news organizations to use new technology to meet their needs.

About the Society of Professional Journalists: The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. The organization promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know.