Student journalists who competed in the categories listed below at the 2026 SJC Finals on Monday, March 16 must submit their entries by Monday, March 23 at noon. Use the forms linked below. You may wish to review the TIPS and RUBRICS that PSPA shared in our finals information packet.

13YP, 14NP - Photography (Yearbook & Newspaper) - Students must submit six pictures taken at the PSPA SJC Finals full-day event, one from the fall Regional, and one photo taken for their own publication this year.
  • You must include clearly written cutlines (captions) that explain the factual who/what/when/where/why for each image without editorializing. These must be at least three sentences. (Note: Pix 7-8 require a reasoning statement instead of a caption)
  • Submit one photo from each of these categories:       1) unique angle - 2) framing - 3) unique lighting - 4) anything outdoors shot focused on one person - 5) press conference - 6) best from SJC Finals event - 7) best in year - 8) best from fall regional. 
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package - Students must create a 90-second to 2.5-minute feature video showcasing residence life and student community on the Penn State campus. See checkmarks below for additional requirements.
15BN - Broadcast News Package - Students must create a 90-second to 2.5-minute news video showcasing the entire day’s events at Penn State. (See checks below.)
  • Music tracks should not be incorporated into the final feature package. (This ensures students will not be disqualified due to improper licensing/copyright violations.) Music is acceptable as natural sound.
  • Students are welcome to explore the entire campus in search of interesting interviews and footage. 
  • Students should follow all journalistic ethics when filming. Students are expected to act professionally. 
16POD - Podcast - Students must create a 20-30-minute podcast episode showcasing the entire day’s events at Penn State. Podcasts must include at least one original interview.