As the end of the year nears, we’re reflecting on all we’ve accomplished this year, from opening the Jackson Youth Newsroom to premiering our first video podcast season of Miseducation to launching “Journalism for All” programs in 30 underserved high schools. 

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. We need your help to carry our momentum into the new year and continue reporting impactful stories in New York City, Mississippi, and beyond. Please donate to join us in building the next generation of journalists and civic leaders.

In the news!

Our work continues to hit the press, far and wide. The United Federation of Teachers interviewed Journalism for All teachers for an article highlighting how the initiative is promoting “participatory civics.”

And an op-ed in MinnPost demonstrates how the Youth Journalism Coalition is inspiring student journalism advocacy in Minnesota, following ThreeSixy Journalism’s exchange with YJC earlier this year. 

We also want to give a special shoutout to alumna Camilla Sosa, who recently published a bilingual documentary about student activism for Reel Works.

Introducing: Youth Journalism Coalition Speaker Series

The Youth Journalism Coalition is excited to announce a new virtual speaker series featuring inspiring conversations with journalists and media professionals from across the industry. All sessions are free and open to the public, and will feature a moderated discussion followed by a Q&A. We encourage students and adults to attend. Check out the lineup below and RSVP today! 

Fireside chat with Troy Closson, New York Times youth and education reporter

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 5:30–6:30 p.m. // Register here

Closson will discuss insight from his reporting on young people and education in New York City, share his path into journalism, and reflect on how emerging reporters can tell meaningful stories within their own communities. This session will be moderated by student journalist Jeremiah Dickerson, Williamsburg Charter High School class of 2026.

Fireside chat with Cheryl Wills, Spectrum News NY1 anchor

Monday, Dec. 22, 5–6 p.m. | Register here

Wills will reflect on her career in broadcast journalism and share lessons from decades of reporting in New York City. This session will be moderated by student journalist Derry Oliver, Syracuse University Class of 2028 and NYC Public Schools alumna.

Informational Webinar with Samer Nasser, executive director of the Press Credentials Office of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 5:30–6:30 p.m. // Register here

Nasser will review the process for youth journalists to obtain press credentials to cover public events and spaces.

Calling all newsrooms: Seeking hosts for high school summer internships   

The Youth Journalism Coalition is seeking newsrooms to host talented high school students in six-week internships next summer as part of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Participating newsrooms will receive:

✍️ Trained and highly-motivated high school journalists from NYC public schools, nominated by their journalism teacher and paid by the city
💸 Up to $6,000 to supplement the salary of a staff member OR a paid coordinator to join their team for the six-week program
💡 Fresh, youth-driven reporting and insights with access to teen sources
🚀 A low-lift, high-impact opportunity to build a youth audience and shape the future of the industry

Check out this newsroom host guide for details and fill out the interest form to get involved.

Any questions? Reach out to Sophie Mode at sophie@youthjournalismnyc.org.

National Association of Hispanic Journalists Student Summit exposes youth to media careers

Several of our students attended the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Student Summit at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism last month. Throughout the day, students learned from some of New York’s leading reporters and anchors and networked with media professionals at a career fair. They particularly enjoyed an intimate conversation with Daniel Fontanez (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Dotdash Meredith), Grace Gómez (Anchor, PIX11), Charo Henríquez (Deputy Washington Editor, New York Times), and Kisai Ponce (Head of Social Media and Video, Well + Good) on navigating personal identity in the newsroom and the power of representation. Afterwards, student journalist Jeremiah Dickerson reflected on the day: 

“[The] NAHJ [Student Summit] was an amazing experience. I loved being present in a space with individuals who had not only the same or similar passions as me, but had experience in the field that I don't yet have. Very thankful for the opportunity!”

Student journalist Zoe George added: 

"I was fortunate enough to meet figures in the journalism industry today like Jim Acosta and Grace Gomez… Overall, the whole day was fun, informative, and extremely motivating."

Journalism career pathways and the power of scholastic journalism  

The Bell’s Partnerships and Operations Manager Mira Gordon and Youth Journalism Coalition Director CJ Sánchez spoke on a panel about journalism career pathways at a professional development day for work-based learning coordinators organized by the Office of Superintendent Alan Cheng, Big Picture Learning, the Internationals Network for Public Schools, and New Visions for Public Schools. Alongside Amy Zimmer (Bureau Chief, Chalkbeat New York) and Santiago Montoya Palacios (Associate Producer, CNN), CJ and Mira discussed how students can explore journalism careers even if their school doesn’t have a publication or journalism course. CJ emphasized why equitable access to youth journalism is so important:  

“I truly see journalism education — whether [students] go into it as a career or not — as a gateway to thinking differently about their own place in their community and in society, developing skillsets that are transferable across jobs and careers or trades.”

Featured student opportunities

The New York Association of Black Journalists is accepting applications for its First Take program, a free workshop series offering hands-on training in writing, reporting, video, and social media, led by media professionals. All high school students in the New York metro are eligible. Learn more and apply here by Sunday, December 7.

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers is now accepting submissions for its Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards. Teens in grades 7-12 may enter work in 29 categories of art and writing, for the chance to win cash prizes, publication in an anthology, national recognition, and scholarships. Submit to the NYC region by December 9.

Press Pass NYC will host a free online workshop titled “How to Report on Immigration for Your School Community” on Tuesday, December 16 at 5 p.m. as part of its Jim Dwyer Journalism Workshop series. Attendees will learn from Sofia Azpúrua, immigration attorney at the Safe Passage Project, Ralph Thomassaint Joseph, reporter for Documented, NY, and Yatziri Tovar, Senior Manager of Media Relations at Make the Road New York. Register here.

PBS News Student Reporting Labs is accepting story pitches for immersive audio segments exploring what’s unique about life in cities, towns and neighborhoods across America. Students whose pitches are selected will work together with producers from PBS News Student Reporting Labs to develop their stories for Season 6 of the On Our Minds podcast. Submit your pitch here by December 19.

Roadtrip Nation is accepting applications for its Arts for All Roadtrip, a cross-country documentary experience for young creatives interested in translating their skills into future careers. Selected participants will join a filmed road trip to meet leaders across a wide range of industries whose paths were made possible by their arts experiences. You must be at least 18-years-old to apply and have experience in arts or creative programs. Learn more and apply here by December 21.

Girls Write Now is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Collaboratory Journeys, both from mentees, ages 14–24, and mentors, ages 25 and up. The Journeys for this spring include “Journalism: The Art of Profiles,” “Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion,” and “STARS: Crafting White Papers for Change.” All journeys involve writing workshops, mentorship experiences, and community events. Learn more and apply here by December 31.

Central Park Tutors is seeking submissions for its Golden Pen Essay Contest. All middle and high school students are eligible to submit a 2-page essay about the impact of a great book, for the chance to win $200. Learn more and submit here by December 31.

The Ida B. Wells Society is accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Investigative Reporting Internship, which places students in newsrooms across the country for 10-12 week internships. College journalists and recent college graduates are eligible. Learn more and apply here by January 3.

BRIC Arts & Media is accepting applications for an eight-week photography course. Students ages 14-18 at any skill level are eligible to apply. Participants will receive a $200 stipend upon successful completion of the program. Learn more and apply here by January 5.

USA Today is accepting applications for its summer internship program. College juniors and seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students are eligible to apply for paid internships at USA Today network outlets around the country. Learn more and apply here by January 16.

NPR is accepting submissions for its annual College Podcast Challenge. All students pursuing bachelor’s or associate’s degrees are welcome to submit a podcast on any topic, under 12 minutes long. A grand prize champion will receive $5,000, and finalists will receive $500. Learn more and submit here by January 16.

C-SPAN is accepting submissions for its StudentCam documentary competition. Middle and high school students working independently or in teams may submit a 5-6 minute film exploring the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence, for the chance to win up to $5,000. Learn more and submit here by January 20.

The Athena Film Festival is offering a discounted Student Pass for its 2026 festival, which will take place from March 6-8. The Student Pass provides unlimited access to screenings and panels celebrating films by and about powerful women. Purchase passes here.

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is accepting applications for its free, five-day summer program. One high school junior from each state and Washington, D.C. will be selected for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., including newsroom tours, panels with top journalists, exclusive events, and ongoing alumni support. Participants also receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Learn more and apply here by March 15.

From the archives

Alumni spotlight: Kelsi Bowen 

“My name is Kelsi Bowen, and I am a freshman at Bard College, majoring in Global and International Studies with a concentration in Africana Studies. With The Bell, I produced an episode for the Summer Youth Podcast Academy called Brooklyn Tea’s Brewing Dreams. It followed the journey of Brooklyn Tea, a Black-owned tea shop in Brooklyn that grew from a small brick-and-mortar in Bed-Stuy to a nationwide business, with an Atlanta location, distribution at Target, and shout-outs from Beyoncé. I also co-produced a Miseducation episode about how a school in Queens beat the odds to combat chronic absenteeism. Using the skills I've learned and been able to hone during my time with The Bell, like interpersonal communication, interviewing practices, and more, I started a newspaper for the BIPOC community house on my campus, and have a podcast segment in the works!”

– Kelsi Bowen, SYPA ‘24; Miseducation ‘24

Photo of the month

Last week, two of The Bell’s student reporters, Roberto Bailey and Noa Salas Adam, received a special opportunity to attend ART—a Broadway play starring Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, and Neil Patrick Harris—and conduct an exclusive interview with the show’s producer. They’ll both be publishing articles about the show in their school news outlets. Special thanks to Susan Lee from the Broadway Education Alliance for arranging this experience!

We need your support! Help us expand our programs this school year.