Firsthand: Call for student pitches

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Katina Paron

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Jun 8, 2026, 5:02:04 PM (4 days ago) Jun 8
to NYCJournalismTeachers

Call for student pitches!

Public education is being redefined in real time.

For our new Firsthand initiative, we’re searching for student journalists from coast to coast to tell the story of how it's happening. Starting now, students can pitch reported stories in any digital medium.


We’re interested in stories on five themes

  1. How current events and policy affect school

  2. Experiential learning and student engagement

  3. Artificial intelligence and technology

  4. What it’s like to be a young person today

  5. Things that no one else is covering

Eligibility

  • Rising 10th-12th graders in public and charter high schools across the United States are encouraged to submit pitches.

  • Prior journalism experience is not required. Selected students will receive training and one-on-one mentorship to execute their story idea.

Contributors receive

  • Monetary stipend that varies based on the length and complexity of your reporting project (~$300 to $800)

  • Official byline credit (great for your resume & portfolio!)

  • Coaching and mentorship from professional reporters, producers and editors.

  • Virtual opportunities to collaborate with other student journalists from across the country.

Project timeline

  • Summer: Student contributors selected from national open-call process; virtual orientation; pre-reporting and research

  • Start of the school year: In-person reporting begins

  • Early fall: Virtual workshops; coaching; additional reporting; revisions; fact-checking

  • Late fall: Final drafts approved for publication

Submission deadline

Story pitches are being considered on a rolling basis, starting NOW. Pitches received by June 30 will receive a response by mid-July. Pitches submitted after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as capacity allows.

Get Involved

Whether you are a student ready to pitch, an educator looking to support student journalists, or a newsroom leader who wants to partner, here is how you can jump in right now:

  1. Spread the Word: Forward this email to a student, teacher, or parent who needs to see it.

  2. Stay Connected: Head to our Firsthand initiative page to sign up for project updates and partnership opportunities.

  3. Reach Out Directly: Have a burning question or idea? Drop our editorial team a line at firs...@bellvoices.org.


Ask questions and get advice from project editor Karina Elwood at our virtual information session Tuesday, June 16 at 5 pm ET.

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