Inkluded and Publishers Weekly Continue Partnership Supporting Externships for Inkluded Academy
PRESS RELEASE
New York, NY, April 10, 2026 — Inkluded, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering diversity in publishing, announced the continuation of its partnership with Publishers Weekly, which previously provided externship opportunities for Inkluded Academy graduates from 2020 to 2022. The collaboration offers Academy participants hands-on experience at one of the industry’s leading trade publications.
The announcement comes as applications for the 2026 class of Inkluded Academy are open. Inkluded Academy is the organization’s tuition-free publishing course designed to educate and support the placement of BIPOC aspiring professionals in the book industry. Applications will be accepted from the first 200 applicants or until April 19, whichever comes first.
Held over eight Saturdays during the summer, the Academy offers a rigorous curriculum covering core areas of publishing, including agenting, editorial, managing editorial, production, contracts, royalties, publicity, marketing, sales, scouting and subsidiary rights. In addition to lectures, discussions, Q&A sessions and practical assignments, each participant receives career counseling, one-on-one mentorship and individualized professional guidance.
Through the externship program, Inkluded Academy graduates will have the opportunity to conclude their learning experience by contributing to editorial and publishing operations and gaining firsthand insight into the trade publication. The externships provide exposure to industry workflows and professional networks that support participants’ transition into early-career roles.
Michael Mejias, executive director of Inkluded, emphasized the importance of the partnership in supporting career entry into publishing: “We are excited to partner with Publishers Weekly once again. The work experience Academy graduates gain through these externships plays a vital role in their entry into the industry. We applaud PW’s continued commitment to a more diverse publishing community.”
Jonathan Segura, senior vice president and editorial director of Publishers Weekly, echoed that sentiment: “I couldn’t be more thrilled with our partnership with Inkluded. The work they are doing to bring underrepresented groups into the publishing industry is vital, and we’ve had great success working with them in the past. We look forward to welcoming the next group of Inkluded externs.”
Since graduating its inaugural class in 2019, Inkluded Academy has maintained a 75% job placement rate. Alumni have gone on to roles across the publishing industry, including in editorial, marketing, production, and contracts.
About Inkluded
Founded by Michael Mejias (Executive Director), Julia Kardon, and Mackenzie Brady Watson, Inkluded is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access and representation in the publishing industry. Through education, mentorship, and career-focused programming, Inkluded supports emerging and underrepresented publishing professionals as they build sustainable careers in the field. For updated news, please follow Inkluded on Instagram and LinkedIn, and visit inkluded.org for more information.
Inkluded Press Contact
Ellen Yang, Publicist