Greetings from SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas! If you’re also at the conference, come join our live recording of an upcoming P.S. Weekly episode and attend our podcasting workshop with NPR and PBS News Student Reporting Labs.

In this issue of The Mix, we’re spotlighting student reporters in the field and celebrating a legislative triumph for youth journalism. Plus, we’re sharing a number of upcoming contests and other opportunities for student journalists.

Meet our two newest team members!

In February, we welcomed Tiara Edwards and Denisse Merino to our team.

Tiara Edwards

Program Assistant

Denisse Merino

Engagement Fellow

NY City Council requires annual report on opportunities for student journalism

The New York City Council unanimously passed Introduction 1057, which will require the NYC Department of Education to annually report on the availability of journalism programs in all public high schools. This law will help inform eighth-graders of their options for exploring journalism in high school, and reveal gaps that could spur more opportunities. Student leaders of the Youth Journalism Coalition played an essential role in the bill’s passage on February 13, raising awareness to the City Council about inequitable access to student journalism programs and testifying in support of the bill at a December hearing.

JYN students interview mayor and other Jackson leaders

Student reporters at our Jackson Youth Newsroom documented a community meeting organized by the JXN People’s Assembly. At this multi-generational event on February 25, JYN students engaged in an “Idea Open Mic” breakout session with other local youth about changes they want to see in their community. They also interviewed prominent local leaders, including Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and JXN People’s Assembly Director Brooke Floyd (pictured above). The students left excited and energized — and more informed about power players and stakeholders in their community.

YJC student leader moderates town hall with Rev. Al Sharpton

In honor of Black History Month, the Youth Journalism Coalition partnered with Student News Live for a student town hall with renowned civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton. YJC student leader Fredlove Deshommes moderated a conversation on the evolving political landscape, significance and future of DEI initiatives, and role of the media in shaping public discourse.

NYC podcasting interns hone their interviewing skills

Our NYC podcasting interns hit the streets with their recorders on a recent Tuesday evening to practice interviewing. They conducted short, off-the-cuff conversations with people lined up to take pictures with the Financial District’s famous Charging Bull statue. Their interview subjects included tourists from India, Italy, and Russia, as well as two friends recreating a photo they took 15 years ago. Learning how to gather information and talk to strangers is a key component of The Bell’s internships.

Featured student opportunities

The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists’ 2025 Student Conference will take place online from March 7–8. Pay what you can and register by March 7.

Riley’s Way Foundation is accepting applications for the Call for Kindness Fellowship. This 12-month leadership development fellowship gives young leaders aged 13-23 the skills and resources to run successful social-impact projects. Fellows will have access to coaching, community, and a $5,000 startup grant. Apply by March 9.

The Solutions Journalism Network is accepting applications for the 2025–26 Student Media Challenge. This initiative will bring student news outlets at colleges and universities into a year-long cohort to produce solutions journalism on student mental health. Participating publications will receive a $7,500 grant. Apply by March 14.

The Journalism Education Association is taking nominations for the Student Journalist Impact Award. Teachers may nominate students, and students may nominate themselves. JEA permits more than one entry per school. Submit here by March 15.

The National Press Club and NPC Journalism Institute are accepting applications for 2025 scholarships. Awards of $5,000 are available to student journalists in high school, college, and graduate school. Learn more and submit by March 16.

The Nation Fund for Independent Journalism is seeking applicants for its next cohort of writing fellows. This is a paid opportunity open to current 10th-graders in good academic standing. Learn more and apply by March 17.

Freedom Forum is accepting applications from high-school juniors to join the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference on June 22–27. Organizers will select one student from each U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Apply by March 23.

NPR is accepting submissions for the 2025 Student Podcast Challenge. Students in grades 4–12 can enter an original podcast for the chance to be featured on NPR. Learn more and submit by May 2.

Want to be in a new advice podcast for teens? Fill out this form to be potentially featured in a pilot episode produced by Arcana Audio and Lismore Road.

From the archives

Photo of the month

Last week, Mississippi program manager, Azia, and five Jackson Youth Newsroom interns enjoyed a Mississippi Symphony Orchestra concert titled, “Pops 2: Wonder of John Williams.” The tickets were courtesy of the Jackson Advocate, one of the oldest Black-owned and operated weekly newspapers in the nation. 

Help us grow our programs to reach more students in 2025.