Happy Black History Month

At The Bell, we draw daily inspiration from Black artists, organizers, scholars, and activists who have shaped—and continue to shape—the communities we work in across New York City and Mississippi. People who pushed this nation closer to its promise: Ella Baker. James Baldwin. Fannie Lou Hamer. Bayard Rustin. Medgar Evers. And countless others whose names history hasn’t always preserved.

Today marks the anniversary of a little-known but powerful chapter in the civil rights movement.

Did you know?

On Feb. 3, 1964, nearly half a million New York City students participated in a school boycott known as Freedom Day, protesting segregation in the city’s public schools. While Brown v. Board of Education outlawed formal segregation a decade earlier, New York City schools remained deeply segregated in practice. The boycott became one of the largest demonstrations in the history of the American civil rights movement.

You can explore the history and lasting impact of the boycott in this teaching guide from the New York City Civil Rights History project.

In the news

Chalkbeat New York republished a video essay by Miseducation student reporter Mher Melikyan, who argues for changes to school gender and sexuality alliances to better benefit the queer community.

Also in Chalkbeat: The Bell’s student reporters Camilla Spillmann, Mateo Tang O’Reilly, and Jeremiah Dickerson contributed to the publication’s two-part series of recommendations for how Mayor Mamdani could improve NYC schools. Check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

Camilla Spillmann penned an article for Youth Media Forward about how Venezuela’s national soccer team challenges harmful stereotypes about the country. She also wrote a feature on Shane Myers, CEO and founder of Kennebec Kicks Club, the running club that inspired Spillmann to take up the sport.

A new resource

Youth Journalism Coalition student leaders published a video guide for finding, contacting, and following up with government sources, alongside a directory of press contacts at New York City agencies.

We’re hiring

The Bell is searching for a Director of Revenue.

• New York City preferred; open to U.S.-based remote
• Full-time | $90,000–$110,000
• Priority deadline: February 15

Learn more and apply: bellvoices.org/jobs

Student journalists champion media literacy on MLK Day at The Apollo

The Bell’s student leaders recently took the legendary Apollo Theater stage for an inspiring panel on media literacy at MLK Young Changemakers TL; DR. Youth Journalism Coalition college fellow Derry Oliver (middle) moderated the thought-provoking conversation on how to promote youth media literacy and stand up against misinformation.

The Bell’s Zoe George (far right) and Journalism for All student reporter Ramatou Toure (second from right) excelled as panelists alongside peers from #HalfTheStory and DCTV at the event celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. During the discussion, Zoe reflected on the responsibility of the next generation of reporters: “I really believe that knowledge is power, so we have to help spread it to our own people.”

Photo by Jeremy Savan

Meet our newest team member

Lia Caruso

Program Assistant

P.S. Weekly returns for Season 3

P.S. Weekly, our podcast collaboration with Chalkbeat New York, is back! This season’s cohort of talented student reporters includes several familiar voices who have grown with us through Miseducation and the Summer Youth Podcast Academy. We welcomed the group to our office for orientation last month to bond over icebreakers and map out the upcoming season. Stay tuned for a full team introduction coming soon.

Do you have a story about New York City schools that needs telling? Send pitches to psweekly@bellvoices.org.

Student leaders present to Citywide Council on High Schools

Last month, Youth Journalism Coalition student leaders Autumn Wynn (left) and Natalie Viderman (right), along with Jeremiah Dickerson, and Julius Marinov, presented to the Citywide Council on High Schools on their work to advance equitable access to student journalism. They highlighted the Journalism for All initiative’s progress in building journalism programs in 30 schools across the city and shared their vision of every NYC high school offering a journalism course. We’re grateful to the council for engaging with our student leaders and amplifying their work.

How student journalists can request city press credentials

The Youth Journalism Coalition recently hosted a webinar for student journalists led by Samer Nasser, executive director of the Press Credentials Office at the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. Nasser explained how city-issued press credentials can be used and described the step-by-step process student journalists can follow to acquire a single-use press card.

Check out this FAQ sheet for the full overview.

Featured student opportunities

Press Pass NYC will host a free webinar for student journalists about NYC school funding on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 5 to 6 p.m. Attendees will learn from Dr. Jose Vilson, executive director of EduColor; Hannah Leverenz, community engagement specialist for the Independent Budget Office; and Julia Konrad, assistant director of education for the Independent Budget Office. Register here.

Sundance and Adobe are accepting applications for the Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellowship. Ten filmmakers between the ages of 18-25 will participate in a yearlong mentorship program and receive a $5,000 artistic grant to advance their filmmaking careers. Applicants must submit a short film that showcases their artistic vision and unique voice as a filmmaker. Apply here by Thursday, Feb. 12.

Building Beats is accepting applications for its spring bbLeaders programs. NYC creatives ages 16-24 can apply for either the Radio & Podcasting track or Music Production & Business track. Both are free, 12-week programs that provide weekly workshops, professional mentorship, networking opportunities, studio tours, and more. Learn more and apply here by Friday, Feb. 13.

Youth Journalism International is accepting entries for its annual global student journalism contest. Writers, photographers, and cartoonists ages 19 or younger may enter in more than 40 categories. First place winners in each category will receive a crystal trophy. Submit here by Friday, Feb. 13.

PBS News Student Reporting Labs is seeking original instrumental tracks for the next theme song of award-winning podcast, On Our Minds. Musicians ages 25 and younger may submit up to three original, 60-second instrumental tracks. The selected winner will receive a $200 prize and a recurring on-air credit from the podcast hosts at the end of every episode. Submit here by Saturday, Feb. 14. 

MediaWise is accepting applications from middle and high school students for its Teen Fact-Checking Network. In this paid opportunity, participants will work with journalists from the Poynter Institute and PolitiFact to debunk viral misinformation by pitching, researching, and producing engaging short-form videos for TikTok and Instagram. The project will begin in mid-March and last through August. Apply here by Sunday, Feb. 15.

UbuntuHarlem Magazine is seeking creative and collaborative interns for its 2026 cycle. This youth-led digital publication focuses on art, culture, and community power while uplifting voices rooted in the neighborhood's history and present. Applicants ages 14-25 with a meaningful connection to Harlem may apply to this yearlong internship, which will run from February through December, with a two-hour-per-week commitment. Apply here by Friday, Feb. 20. 

The Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association are accepting entries for their annual high school essay contest. Students in grades 9-12 can submit an original essay responding to the prompt: Why is misinformation or disinformation (fake news) so easily spread, and how can journalists aim to counter it? One national winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, with additional prizes awarded to second and third-place finishers. Submit here by Sunday, Feb. 22.

The New York Times Learning Network is accepting submissions for My List: A Different Kind of Review Contest. Students can curate a list of three to five works of art or culture and write short commentary explaining their selections. This global contest is open to writers ages 13–19 and offers a chance to be featured on The Learning Network. Submit here by Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The Queens Public Library is accepting applications from New York City high school students for the QPL Newsroom. Participants will meet twice a week at the Central Library in Jamaica to learn how to research, structure, and write an article for publication in Teen Central. Learn more and apply here by Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Mott Million Dollar Challenge is inviting students in grades K-12 to submit to its national pitch competition. Pitches must identify and propose a solution to a social or business challenge in a 30-90 second video. Winners will receive cash prizes and have the opportunity to pitch their idea at a live event before a panel of judges. Learn more and submit here by Friday, Feb. 27.

NYC Votes is now accepting applications for its Youth Ambassador Program. New Yorkers ages 14–18 who are passionate about democracy and civic engagement are eligible for this hybrid program, which runs from May through August 2026, with an optional extension through November. Participants will earn up to $500 per month while developing leadership, public speaking, and community organizing skills. Learn more and submit here by Friday, Feb. 27.

Art Start has announced its NYC College Scholarship, which provides $5,000 per year for up to four years to students pursuing college or an accredited post-secondary institution. This scholarship is open to NYC high school graduating seniors in the class of 2026. Learn more and submit the interest form here by Saturday, Feb. 28. 

The New York Historical is accepting applications for its upcoming spring session: Tech Scholars: Web Design. Participants will learn how to code in HTML and CSS to create a website highlighting the contributions of underrepresented women in history. The program is free of charge and takes place during spring recess from April 6-10. Apply here by Sunday, March 1.

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is accepting applications from current high school juniors. Selected students will attend a fully funded, five-day summer program in Washington, D.C., where they will dive into journalism and multimedia storytelling, connect with leading media professionals, and build lasting networks with fellow aspiring journalists. Participants also receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Apply here by Sunday, March 15.

The NPR Student Podcast Challenge is now accepting entries from youth in grades 4-12. Winners will have their stories featured on NPR programs and receive a trophy and certificate for their school. This year, to honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, judges will award an additional prize for stories that explore what it means to be an American. Learn more and submit here by Sunday, May 31.

Alumni spotlight: Christina Adja

“Since working with The Bell, I have gained the courage to explore a variety of issues within NYC, such as gentrification, which I reported on for WNYC’s Radio Rookies program. Last year I graduated as valedictorian of my high school class. I’m now in my first year at Harvard College studying economics and sociology, and volunteering with the Harvard University Legal Committee. I’m grateful for the start I got with the Miseducation podcast exploring the history of AP classes and initiatives to expand access to them. From this point on, I hope to continue shedding light on the challenges facing youth from underprivileged backgrounds in NYC and Cambridge.”

– Christina Adja, Miseducation ‘22-23

Photo of the month

Last month, Mira and Sabrina caught up over coffee with program alumni Bernie Carmona (Cornell University, Class of ’29) and Kelsi Bowen (Bard College, Class of ’28). It’s so wonderful to hear about our alumni thriving in college!

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