September was an eventful back-to-school month!

We showed up at City Hall for the Youth Journalism Coalition’s largest-ever gathering in support of student journalism, and we enjoyed connecting with nonprofit partners from across the city at events organized by Partnership for Afterschool Education, Student Success Network, and The Door. 

We also unveiled the Student Podcast Playbook, a free podcasting curriculum for schools, complete with over 100 pages of guided activities, handouts, and real-world examples. We developed this resource as part of the Journalism for All curriculum led by Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY with support from the Youth Journalism Coalition.

Youth Journalism Coalition’s ‘J-Day’ draws hundreds of students and teachers

Photo by Dulce Marquez

Over 200 students and teachers from more than 20 NYC public schools convened at City Hall on Tuesday, September 16, for the YJC’s second-annual J-Day, hosted in partnership with the City Council’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. The day of action began with a press conference hosted by YJC student leaders and featuring remarks from Jere Hester of CUNY Newmark; Council Members Rita Joseph and Kevin Riley; Deputy Public Advocate for Education and Opportunity Elizabeth Kennedy; NYC Public Schools Superintendent Alan Cheng; and NYCPS Chief of Student Pathways Jane Martínez Dowling.

“Together we will make sure journalism education is not a privilege for a few but a right for all New York City students,” Council Member Joseph said.

J-Day marked the release of a new annual report from the NYC Department of Education on the prevalence of high school journalism courses and publications. Less than 20% of high schools offer journalism, a stat that the Journalism for All initiative aims to increase.

Read more about the report and the YJC’s push to institutionalize journalism programs citywide in Chalkbeat.

Listen to Summer Youth Podcast Academy stories profiling unsung heroes

In August, our 12 SYPA student reporters created podcast episodes profiling public servants, including a firefighter, a social worker, and an urban planner. Zoë, pictured above, interviewed her mother, who works for the city as a community doula. You can hear five of these stories now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Stay tuned as we release seven more over the next two weeks. 

• The Doula Who Delivers — Zoë George

• The Track Coach Who Runs a Community — Camilla Spillmann

• The Building Manager Who Has Lived Multiple Lives — Evan Pernett

• The Social Worker Who Defied All Odds — Kennedi Davidson

• The Architect of Motion — Lucas Phildor

Jackson Youth Newsroom students take the mic at ‘Press Play’ event 

The Jackson Youth Newsroom team led breakout conversations and networked with local journalists and creators at Video Consortium's Press Play tour stop in Jackson, Mississippi, last month. Check out this short video recap on Instagram that features JYN reporter Dion Craft.

Featured student opportunities

YoungArts is accepting applications for YoungArts awards, a prestigious competition that grants winners mentorship from professional artists, a robust network, national recognition, and cash awards between $250–$10,000. High school students in grades 10-12 are eligible to enter. Learn more and submit here by October 8. 

The Brooklyn Museum is accepting applications for its paid InterseXtions teen staff internship. In this program, teen staff design, plan, and host our annual LGBTQ+ Teen Night designed by and for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, inspired by exhibitions, and host smaller programming advancing LGBTQ+ advocacy. All 14-19 year-olds who attend a NYC school are eligible. Apply here by October 19.  

PBS News Student Reporting Labs is accepting applications to be a co-host of On Our Minds, an award-winning teen life podcast. Season Six will feature student-produced stories about what makes teen life unique across the country. Co-hosts will receive a $1,500 stipend and an all-expenses-paid trip to Denver for training. This opportunity is open to high school students. Apply here by October 31. 

The New York Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents is accepting submissions for the “See Us, Support Us” art contest. All youth ages 24 or younger are encouraged to submit visual art, poems, photography, or music on any topic, for the chance to win up to $100. Submit here by October 31. 

Bloomberg is accepting applications for its 2026 Summer News Internship. Prior experience in journalism is required, and college juniors, seniors, and graduate students are eligible. Learn more and apply here by October 31.

The Dow Jones News Fund is accepting applications for its summer 2026 internship program, which places student journalists in paid internships with media organizations around the country. College sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students are eligible. Learn more and apply here by November 5. 

The Pulitzer Center is accepting submissions for its Local Letters for Global Change contest. All K-12 students are invited to submit a letter in English or Spanish to a local elected representative that explains a global issue they wish to be prioritized, shows how it connects to their local community, and proposes a solution. Winners will receive up to $300 to support global community engagement in their classroom, and be published on the Pulitzer Center website. Learn more and submit here by November 14. 

AllSides is accepting articles that explore bias, misinformation, or under-the-radar issues for its student journalism contest. All students grades K-12 are welcome to enter, and three winning pieces will be awarded $500. Learn more and submit here by December 1. 

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. 

PBS News Student Reporting Labs is also 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.

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. 

Youth Environmental Press Team (YEPT) is seeking middle and high school contributors for its online publication, which features writing about the climate crisis and other environmental issues. Original stories receive $100, while previously published stories earn $30. YEPT also offers paid leadership roles that involve editing, outreach, fundraising, and social media. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and get involved here.

From the archives

Alumni spotlight: Jose Santana

Since my time with The Bell, I have been continuing my education at Weimar University, where I am majoring in religion. As a Miseducation intern, I produced an episode on the negative effect of early school start times on teens, which sparked my passion for mental health advocacy and gave me a strong foundation in the technical aspects of podcasting. This year, I’ve been recording and editing The Brain People Podcast, where four mental health experts share practical tools for overcoming challenges like sleep and stress. The skills I gained at The Bell—especially audio editing, attention to detail, and producing high-quality sound—have been invaluable as I now manage the behind-the-scenes technology of a full video podcast, including cameras and lighting. The Bell instilled in me a love for excellence in production that I carry into every project.

- Jose Santana, Miseducation ‘22-23; P.S. Weekly ‘24

Photo of the month

Sophie, Cait, and Sabrina had a blast attending the Student Success Network Expo last week and meeting nonprofit leaders from across the city.

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