Journalists in Schools

Journalists in Schools is a non-profit organization that is collaboratng with students to create the first news network serving public high schools in New York City. Student reporters, coached by working journalists, will be trained in the research, writing, and critical thinking skills that high quality journalism demands, while the stories they publish, driven by students’ concerns, in all forms of media, will encourage problem solving and build a stronger sense of community inside the schools. The result: a new school climate modeled on the free press tradition that will inspire the young journalists and a good many of their readers to take themselves more seriously, become more engaged in their education, and join civic or after-school activities. Mentors will work with students on all aspects of the project, including reporting and writing, web design, graphics, photography, video, audio, marketing, public relations and advertising sales. We expect to see measurable improvements in literacy skills and a lowering in absentee and dropout rates. The program is easily replicable and can become a model for school systems across the United States.