Local youth covering the diverse port communities of Long Beach, Wilmington and San Pedro.
The project is a pilot of CalMatters’ Youth Journalism Initiative, which seeks to amp youth journalism and media literacy across California.
To apply for our program, click here.
Students will learn:
News writing
News design for social media
Photography
Video production
Audio production
Audience development
Fundraising and business
Newsletter development
Attend media mixers
More by your request! We are connected to many experienced journalists and media professionals. Students vote on workshops at the beginning of the year.
Benefits:
Mentorship – Be paired with regional news reporters
Learn industry skills
Learn to pitch your own stories – Lead coverage and shape conversations and policy for the region
Upon advancing skills, possible story placement or co-report projects with major media
Industry-related travel opportunities and field trips
Unique experience for college applications and career readiness
Stipends
Age
Students must be 15 – 19 years old. We might expand the age range in late 2024.
Qualifications to join
No experience is necessary. We welcome all: writers, nonwriters, social media enthusiasts, graphic designers, artists, more!
Region
The geographic coverage for this project is San Pedro, Wilmington, West and North Long Beach. Priority seats will be given to youth from these areas.
About our coverage area
The South Bay region is made up of blue collar, Black, Latino and Asian immigrant communities sitting along one of the largest ports in the world. Students already surveyed for this project have identified a number of themes around housing, school climate, air pollution, poverty, street design, bikeability, development altering cultural landmarks, along with a desire for representation. Youth also mentioned the need to celebrate the beauty of their cultures, successes of their community while uplifting arts and hobbies that youth are most interested in.
Our draft mission
True to youth-led models, program participants will be able to refine our mission statement as well as the program name and more. Below are current mission values.
Cover underreported issues and populations
Train and connect diverse youth to industry and relevant media skills
Encouraging civic engagement, making issues relatable
Hold institutions accountable without regard to party or partisanship
Involve youth in program decisions around content, branding, special projects, outreach and more.
Questions? Email Michael Lozano: michael@calmatters.org