Youth journalism


The following is an archive of programs and efforts that were administered by ASNE’s Youth Journalism Initiative. Launched in 2000, the initiative helped students learn why news matters and acquire the skills needed to succeed as 21st-century citizens. It invested in the future of journalism and democracy by providing resources and training in youth journalism; news, information and media literacy; and the First Amendment and civic education. For questions about these past programs, contact Megan Morrison at mschumacher@asne.org or 573-882-3792.

SchoolJournalism.org

This go-to education site for students and teachers provides hundreds of lesson plans and resources related to journalism, news literacy and civic education. Whether you want to learn, teach or create news and information using digital media tools or increase your understanding of the First Amendment and democracy, this site can both inspire and instruct! This site is now administered by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. For questions about SchoolJournalism.org, email mipajourno@gmail.com.

ASNE Reynolds High School Journalism Institute

The Reynolds High School Journalism Institute is an intensive journalism workshop for secondary-school teachers. The 2015 Institute will include online pre- and post-Institute training. Any teacher will be able to utilize the online training materials. Teachers selected to participate in the Institute will be invited for one week of hands-on training at premier universities and learn how to help students:

  • gain stronger reporting, writing, editing, multimedia, graphics and entrepreneurial skills needed to start or improve student media organizations.

  • understand the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment and their rights and ethical responsibilities as student journalists and citizens.

  • develop news literacy skills, including the ability to differentiate between fact, opinion and infotainment; understand bias, balance and fairness in news coverage; and appreciate the importance of credible and verifiable news sources.


ASNE/Tribune News Service


In an exclusive arrangement with ASNE, the Tribune Content Agency wire service is offered to school news organizations (Grades 5-12). Content may be utilized in school newspapers, news magazines, journalism classes and broadcast programs. This arrangement enhances storytelling and expands news coverage by student media programs.


Principal’s Guide to Scholastic Journalism

ASNE and the ASNE Youth Journalism Initiative sponsored publication of the Principal’s Guide to Scholastic Journalism. The publication provides invaluable guidance to school principals and administrators working with student media organizations.

Student Advisory Board

The Student Advisory Board helps young people to learn, connect and be heard and offers them educational opportunities and interaction with journalism professionals. All students are welcome to apply and may join at any time. Members interact in a closed Facebook group where discussions are moderated by professionals with experience in student media and journalism. Members also participate in Twitter chats with guest moderators and enjoy other special opportunities. In 2014, members participated in a press call with officials at the White House regarding the First Lady’s visit to China. Members also had the opportunity to be panelists in a live chat about journalism ethics during an online screening of the documentary “A Fragile Trust,” hosted by PBS. The Student Advisory Board is now administered by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. For questions about Student Advisory Board, email mipajourno@gmail.com.

News Literacy

The Youth Journalism Initiative supports several ASNE news literacy efforts, including the creation of a model news literacy curriculum for social studies, language arts, science and math. ASNE in partnership with the Journalism Education Association has been working with secondary-school teachers and curriculum experts to embed news literacy lessons in the core disciplines for Grades 7-12.
News literacy lessons are available at SchoolJournalism.org.

1 for All First Amendment Challenge

The 1 for All First Amendment Challenge will honor 40 teachers and schools for innovative education about the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. Winning teachers will receive $1,000, and winning schools will receive recognition plaques. Challenge rules, lesson plans and recommendations for student projects are available at 1ForAll.us. Teachers of all subjects are eligible to participate. 1 for All is a national nonpartisan program designed to build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms. ASNE is a founding partner in the 1 for All initiative.


These groundbreaking youth journalism initiatives are generously funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.