The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is sponsoring a new student program that recruits and trains high school students to become education reporters. Participants in the Student Education Reporter program will write about their schools and districts for the Sacramento School Beat, which will provide the articles to local news outlets for free. The work will help to supplement local education reporting after a decade of reporter cutbacks across the region.
A professional journalist will work with each student as an instructor, editor, and coach, helping the high schoolers develop their writing, reporting, and critical thinking skills through a paid internship model. Students will complete a rigorous, two-week training over the summer, then report on assigned school or district activities throughout the school year. The goal is to increase coverage of school programs, better inform parents and the community of vital education news, and enhance civic engagement.
Eligibility and Requirements
High school students (grades 9–12) in Sacramento County may apply. Each student reporter will be required to produce a minimum of one story per month from August through May. They will also attend monthly meetings, either remotely or in person. Those who complete the full program will earn a $1,200 stipend. Students will also be connected with journalism programs at local community colleges and CSU Sacramento, plus get the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
How to Apply
The application deadline is May 15, 2022. To apply, students should email or call program director Steve O’Donoghue: (415) 509-1518. Students will be asked to complete an application form in addition to providing writing samples and letters of recommendation.
Examples of work produced by student reporters are available on the Sacramento School Beat website.
Update 4/13/22: New application deadline