The Youth Journalism Initiative
Preparing the next generation of storytellers starts local – in schools and communities.
That’s why CalMatters is helping programs ready more high school and middle school students for a career in journalism.
Launched in July 2022, CalMatters’ Youth Journalism Initiative is helping more youth become careful consumers and quality producers of news. We recognize that media skills are key to democratic governance and that California needs a stronger pipeline for diverse youth entering newsrooms.
The Youth Journalism Initiative
Our initiative targets five impact areas:
- Student training
- Adviser fellowships
- Career Technical Education certification
- Media convergence
- Regional youth media programs
Contact us:
Events & programs
Supporting new and legacy programs
- South Bay Youth Journalism
- Contra Costa Youth Journalism
- Mosaic
- California Scholastic Press Association
2024 applications now open for K-12 California educators
CalMatters will select several new fellows from across California for its second Journalism Educator Fellowship cohort. Fellows are paired with industry and scholastic mentors to help scale their student-led programs, receive assistance with curriculum and build skills. Apply by May 31st, 2024 11:59 p.m. PT.
For more information and to apply, go here: www.cal.news/jefapply
2023 Fellows
| Lesley Lee, Arcadia Laura Maranta, Atascadero Samantha Gobba, Chico Brittney Hawkins, Chico William Crisafi, Chino Daniel Gonzalez, Fresno Katie McQuone Botello, Fresno Julie Francesconi, Granite Bay | Veronica Grammier, Irvine Elizabeth Monaco, La Crescenta-Montrose Devon’te Jameson, Long Beach Erika Rocha Urbina, Los Angeles Monica Cabrera, Manteca Steven Kent, Northridge Mallorie Winn, Oakland Verity Olliff, Oxnard | Kelley Peviani-Bruno, Redlands William Nelson, Riverside Laurel Hermes, San Francisco Katherine Sanford, San Geronimo Tamara Storms, Santa Ana Lara Willbanks, Santa Barbara Alexandrina (Lexie) Pretto, Woodside |
Webinars bringing industry reporters to your classroom
If you are a teacher or student, this is your chance to ask questions and connect your class directly with the news industry. Some sessions also focus on skill-building.
| Date | Featured Guest | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21, 2023 | CalMatters reporter Nicole Foy on covering farmworkers, extreme weather and Gov. Newsom’s ‘rapid response’ | Video Link |
| Sept. 28, 2023 | Long Beach Post editor Jeremiah Dobruck on investigating alleged misuse of public funds | Video Link |
| Oct. 5, 2023 | CalMatters reporter Byrhonda Lyons on investigating California’s rehabilitation programs | N/A |
| Oct. 12, 2023 | L.A. TACO reporter Janette Villafana on covering street vendors‘ struggles and victories | Video Link |
| Oct. 19, 2023 | Black Voice News reporter Breanna Reeves on health equity reporting and the need for Black media | Video Link |
| Nov. 2, 2023 | Live from Boston NHSJC: Student reporters on why they do journalism | Video Link |
| Nov. 9, 2023 | A how-to: submitting your first public records request with Ginny LaRoe and Delilah Brumer | Video Link |
| Nov. 16, 2023 | Los Angeles Times reporter Faith Pinho on creating her narrative podcast series, ‘Foretold‘ | Video Link |
| Nov. 30, 2023 | CBS13 & Good Day Sacramento anchor/reporter Jordan Segundo on broadcast news | Video Link |
| Dec. 7, 2023 | Exploring more news jobs with CalMatters staff: Associate events producer Evelyn Chavez and audience engagement manager Anna Almendrala | Video Link |
| Feb. 27, 2024 | The Four Fundamentals of Journalistic Writing with the Redwood Bark, Monte Vista Stampede, CalMatters | Video Link |
| Feb. 28, 2024 | Opinion writing & 2024 Earth Day contest pitch tips, webinar 1 with CalMatters Voices Editor, Yousef Baig | Video Link |
| March 7, 2024 | Opinion writing & 2024 Earth Day contest pitch tips, webinar 2 with CalMatters Voices Editor, Yousef Baig | Video Link |
JCal 2024 summer program
Program Dates: June 17 to June 21, 2024.
Our application deadline has passed. Details here.
JCal is an all-inclusive journalism program that immerses California high school students into the state’s news ecosystem with mentorship, reporting projects and more. This innovative program is produced through a unique partnership between the Asian American Journalists Association and CalMatters.
Go here to review last year’s student reporting.
About CalMatters
CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization bringing Californians stories that probe, explain and explore solutions to quality of life issues while holding our leaders accountable. We are the only journalism outlet dedicated to covering America’s biggest state, 39 million Californians and the world’s fifth largest economy.