It’s June, and that means another school year is almost in the books. Congratulations to all of the soon-to-be graduates!

P.S. Weekly Live: Students take the mic

Our student journalists are stepping out of the studio and onto the stage for a special live recording of P.S. Weekly. They’ll dive into their original reporting on school diversity, shrinking enrollment, charter schools, curriculum debates, and more. You’ll hear exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and updates on what's happened since the stories aired.

Plus, bring your questions — students will answer them live on stage.

📅 Thursday, June 11
🕒 6 to 7:30 p.m.
📍 Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch at Grand Army Plaza
🎟️ Free with a suggested donation

Watch now: NYC schools 72 years after Brown v. Board

Last month, more than 200 guests joined our Miseducation podcast team at the Center for Brooklyn History for a frank dialogue about persistent segregation in city schools 72 years after the Brown v. Board Supreme Court decision. 

Our very own Sabrina DuQuesnay kicked off the night with a powerful spoken word performance before passing the mic to schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, who delivered remarks about his administration's vision for integrated schools. Next, former Miseducation guests Jill Bloomberg and David Garcia-Rosen joined former Miseducation reporter Renika Jack for a conversation about the intersection of segregation and school sports. Then, student reporter Aponi Kafele interviewed Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones about the city’s lack of progress in the ten years since her celebrated essay, “Choosing a School for my Daughter in a Segregated City.”

Meet two new team members

Latest from the P.S. Weekly podcast

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Featured student opportunities

Reel Works is accepting applications for four summer programs for NYC youth: Animation Lab, Dual Language Doc Lab, Intro to Broadcast Journalism, and Supported Experimental Lab (for neurodivergent students). All programs provide valuable hands-on training and media-making experience. Learn more and apply here by Monday, June 8.

The Scripps Howard Fund is providing paid fall journalism internships at nonprofit newsrooms across the country for undergraduate and graduate students. This program provides critical hands-on newsroom experience, professional clips, and mentorship for emerging investigative, digital, and beat reporters looking to make a public impact. Apply here by Friday, June 12.

The New York Times is accepting applications for The Times Corps, a talent-mentorship program designed to support the next generation of journalists. This multi-year initiative pairs undergraduate students with a dedicated Times journalist who provides regular career guidance and professional development until graduation. The program is specifically designed for students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or those attending universities without established pipelines to major newsrooms. Apply here by Friday, June 12. 

Community Food Advocates is accepting applications for Youth Food Advocates, a year-long advocacy and leadership program designed to support the next generation of food justice changemakers. Open to all NYC high school students, participants receive regular professional development, a stipend, and a NYCPS Seal of Recognition for Service on their high school diploma upon completion. Apply here by Monday, June 15.

Made By Us is inviting 14-30 year-olds to participate in Letters to America as part of the Youth250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Through essays, videos, speeches and artwork participants can share their vision for the future of America. Select submissions will be shared by media partners, museums, and civic organizations for National Youth Takeover Day on June 27. Learn more and submit here.

The New York Public Library is accepting applications for the Schomburg Center’s Junior Scholars Program, an intensive research and multimedia initiative designed to support the next generation of scholars and artists. This year-long, free Saturday program pairs New York City students in grades 6–12 with the Center’s world-class archives and resources to cultivate professional-level historical inquiry. Participants receive regular mentorship to generate individual research, original writing, art portfolios, and collaborative multimedia projects that document the Black experience. Apply here by Monday, June 29.

The Moth is accepting applications for the Summer Moth Story Lab, a creative arts workshop designed to support the next generation of storytellers. This free program empowers rising 10th–12th graders nationwide to craft and share their own authentic narratives through dedicated guidance and performance training. The program offers both flexible in-person and virtual participation tracks, culminating in a live showcase where students share their final pieces. Apply here by Friday, July 3.

From the archives

Alumni spotlight: Denisse Merino

“Since my time with The Bell, I’ve stayed busy pursuing a degree in business communications with a concentration in corporate communications and a minor in Spanish at Baruch College. I also serve as the vice president of Dreamers at Baruch, tutor second graders through the Teach for America Ignite Program and intern for the Youth Journalism Coalition. Looking back, one of the most meaningful projects I worked on at The Bell was “Examining the Regents,” a podcast episode that questioned the necessity of New York State’s exit exams and explored alternative means of assessment. Reporting that story taught me how powerful it can be to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and elevate voices that are often overlooked. Now, whether I’m supporting students through tutoring or advocating for immigrant and first-generation students, I continue to draw on the curiosity, empathy and storytelling skills that The Bell helped me develop.” 

— Denisse Merino, Miseducation ’23

Photo of the month

Last week, we celebrated Cait’s last day with The Bell as she completed her policy and advocacy fellowship with Leadership for Educational Equity. From leading the Youth Journalism Coalition speaker series to organizing meaningful community gatherings, she was an invaluable contributor to the YJC and The Bell. We’ll miss you, Cait! Pictured from left: Mira, Cait, Sophie and Sabrina.

Support the next generation of journalists and civic leaders.