❄️ December 2025

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We hope you’re staying warm! As we settle into the colder months, the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition is buzzing with activity, new projects, and exciting momentum from students and partners across the city.

Keep reading for news from the YJC, including upcoming events, student opportunities and a spotlight on recent student reporting.

🔥 Recap: Fireside Chat with Troy Closson

Last week, we launched our YJC Speaker Series with a powerful kickoff conversation featuring New York Times Education and Youth reporter Troy Closson. YJC Student Leader Jeremiah Dickerson moderated an engaging discussion, where Troy reflected on his path into journalism, provided insight on covering local communities, and shared guidance for emerging reporters.

He encouraged young journalists to be bold in seeking opportunities, reminding students: “It's always worth not holding yourself back from sending an email or reaching out to someone who you're interested in, or talking to even an editor at a place who maybe feels intimidating and just reaching out to them. Because usually, especially for students, there's never a better time to reach out to people. In high school and in college, I think people are extremely willing to help out students.”

A huge thank you to Troy for sharing his time, wisdom, and candor with our community! Your insights help set an inspiring tone for the series ahead.

🎬 Up Next: Cheryl Wills on Monday, 12/22

We’re continuing our Speaker Series with a truly special guest! In just one week, we’re thrilled to welcome one of the city’s most celebrated journalists, Emmy-winning Spectrum News NY1 anchor and author Cheryl Wills for a fireside chat with YJC. The conversation will be moderated by Syracuse student and former YJC Student Leader Derry Oliver. Mark your calendars and be sure to register for this can’t miss event!

🎉 You’re Invited! YJC Community Potluck

We’d love to see you on Thursday, December 18, from 6–7:30 PM for our YJC Community Potluck! It’ll be a great chance to reconnect, share YJC’s plans for the year ahead, and enjoy everyone’s favorite dishes together. Most of all, we’re excited for the opportunity to gather in person before the year comes to a close. Feel free to bring guests and please be sure to RSVP and let us know what you’ll be bringing!

🎥 A La Lucha! by Camila Sosa

Check out A La Lucha!, a bilingual documentary by YJC Alum Camila Sosa. Produced through a Reel Works summer youth program, the film spotlights three student activists sharing what has held them back and what inspires them to continue fighting for change. Keep up the amazing work, Camila!

🎁 Support the Full Implementation of J4A

✨ Student Opportunities

Association of Independents in Radio (AIR): Student Membership
AIR Media is offering our students a three-month free trial of their Student Membership. A student membership grants access to a broad range of resources to support audio and media makers. Use code THEBELL to activate your trial membership.

Press Pass NYC: How to Report on Immigration for Your School Community
Event: Tuesday, December 16 at 5:00PM on Zoom
Join Press Pass NYC’s fourth session of their free Jim Dwyer Journalism Workshop series to learn how to make sense of current immigration policy and its impact on your community. Gain the tools to report on immigrants that inform and support your fellow students.

PBS Student Reporting Labs (SRL): Seeking Student Producers
Application Deadline: Friday, December 19
SRL is accepting applications to be a producer of season six of On Our Minds, an award-winning teen life podcast for teens by teens. Season six will feature stories about what makes teen life unique across the country. Contact becky@reportinglabs.org with any questions.

Roadtrip Nation: Arts for All Roadtrip Public Television Series
Application Deadline: Sunday, December 21
Roadtrip Nation is accepting applications for its cross-country documentary experience, Arts for All Roadtrip. Young creatives ages 18 and up who want to turn their artistic passions into meaningful careers are encouraged to apply. Selected participants will embark on a filmed road trip, meeting leaders across diverse industries whose journeys were shaped by the arts.

Young Invincibles: Young Advocate Program
Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 31
Young Invincibles is accepting applications from young adults ages 18-34 for their Young Advocates Program looking to develop their advocacy and leadership skills. This paid opportunity will consist of training on community organizing, policy advocacy, strategic communications and Young Invincibles’ key issue areas.

Girls Write Now: Collaboratory Journeys
Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 31
Girls Write Now is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Collaboratory Journeys, both from mentees, ages 14-24, and mentors, ages 25 and up. All journeys involve writing workshops, mentorship experiences, and community events.

BRIC Arts Media Teen Photography Bootcamp
Application Deadline: Monday, January 5
BRIC Media is accepting applications for their free eight-week photography course. The course comes with a $200 stipend. Students ages 14-18 at any skill level are eligible to apply.

The New York Historical Tech Scholars: Podcasting
Application Deadline: Sunday, January 11
The New York Historical is accepting applications from high school students in the New York City metro area to collaborate in creating a new season of their teen podcast: Through Fresh Eyes. The podcast this season is inspired by the exhibit The Gay Harlem Renaissance currently on view at the New York Historical.

New York Jewish Week Teen Journalism Fellowship
Application Deadline: Sunday, January 18
Jewish teens of all backgrounds ages 15-18 are encouraged to apply for the New York Jewish Week Teen Journalism Fellowship running from January to May 2026. Fellows will be paid a $100 gift card for each story that NYJW posts.

C-SPAN: StudentCam Documentary Competition
Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 20
Middle and high school students working independently and 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.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Application Deadline: Monday, January 26
High school juniors from lower-income backgrounds interested in journalism are welcome to apply for the free Princeton Summer Journalism Program based at Princeton University. Students will complete a hybrid journalism intensive in the summer and work with a dedicated college adviser their senior year.

Civics Unplugged: Civic Innovators Fellowship
Application Deadline: Saturday, January 31
Current high school students may apply for the free, 8 week virtual Civic Innovators Fellowship where they will explore different a range of “civic innovation” issues. Upon completing the fellowship, participants gain funding and a supportive network along with exclusive access to Civic Unplugged’s in-person Civic Innovation Academies and their incubator, the Civic Innovation Lab.

Society of Professional Journalists/Journalism Education Association: Essay Contest
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22
High school students are invited to submit a 300-500 word essay responding to the 2026 prompt: Why is misinformation or disinformation (fake news) so easily spread, and how can journalists aim to cover it? Entries cost $10 each, and the top three essays will earn scholarship awards from SPJ.

Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 15
Current high school juniors are invited to apply for 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. All expenses, including hotel, airfare, and meals, are covered, and participants will also receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

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