Regional Student Journalism Competitions
We should celebrate journalistic talent and ability with the same gusto that Pennsylvanians celebrate accomplishments in music, theater and sport. The PSPA regional competitions offer an educational contest to every student journalist in Pennsylvania. PSPA's writing, design, and artistic competitions are similar to those offered at the Journalism Education Association’s semi-annual conventions – but near you and with affordable prices.
Materials you need for our Fall Regional SJCs:
Site - Event Date - (Registration Start Date-Registration Deadline)
Point Park - October 13 - REGISTRATION OPENS 9/25 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/6
Slippery Rock - October 27 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/9 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/20
Temple - October 27 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/9 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/20
Juniata - November 1 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/25
Bloomsburg - November 2 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/26
York College - November 3 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/27
PSU Behrend - November 3 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/27
PSU Berks - November 8 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/25 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 11/1
Every school must renew their free PSPA membership to be eligible to compete this fall. You can renew your membership here.
Additional changes from last year's regionals:
For questions about specific events, below is the board member to contact:
Paul Fantaski is the SJC chair and can be contacted with questions at pfantaski@gmail.com
“If we do not reveal all the possible journalism careers and opportunities to our students who love it, we are doomed because nobody will, especially in this tough time for journalists across the country. PSPA has partnered up with many colleges and universities across PA to make that happen for you and your kids. We are so excited to offer you incredible, rejuvenating, media days once again that might just replenish your so-tired spirit, and that just makes us smile.” — Paul Fantaski (SJC Chair)
We should celebrate journalistic talent and ability with the same gusto that Pennsylvanians celebrate accomplishments in music, theater and sport. The PSPA regional competitions offer an educational contest to every student journalist in Pennsylvania. PSPA's writing, design, and artistic competitions are similar to those offered at the Journalism Education Association’s semi-annual conventions – but near you and with affordable prices.
Materials you need for our Fall Regional SJCs:
- Link to Flier
- Link to Registration Forms - Registration goes live on the dates listed below.
- Link to Rubrics - Share these with your students to prepare them.
Site - Event Date - (Registration Start Date-Registration Deadline)
Point Park - October 13 - REGISTRATION OPENS 9/25 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/6
Slippery Rock - October 27 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/9 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/20
Temple - October 27 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/9 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/20
Juniata - November 1 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/25
Bloomsburg - November 2 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/26
York College - November 3 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/27
PSU Behrend - November 3 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/16 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 10/27
PSU Berks - November 8 - REGISTRATION OPENS 10/25 | REGISTRATION CLOSES 11/1
Every school must renew their free PSPA membership to be eligible to compete this fall. You can renew your membership here.
Additional changes from last year's regionals:
- You can now have up to three students compete in the same category
- The cost is $15 a student
- There are new categories for BLOG (16BL) and PODCAST (17POD)
For questions about specific events, below is the board member to contact:
- Penn State Behrend: Jane Blystone
- Point Park: Paul Fantaski
- Slippery Rock: Aaron Fitzpatrick & Meghan Adams
- Juniata: Nate Thompson & Samantha Corza
- Bloomsburg: Paul Fantaski
- York College: Lisa Sands & Alex Strickler
- Penn State Berks: Jon Bickel & Destiny Beck
- Temple: Joe Tornambe & Kate Plows
Paul Fantaski is the SJC chair and can be contacted with questions at pfantaski@gmail.com
“If we do not reveal all the possible journalism careers and opportunities to our students who love it, we are doomed because nobody will, especially in this tough time for journalists across the country. PSPA has partnered up with many colleges and universities across PA to make that happen for you and your kids. We are so excited to offer you incredible, rejuvenating, media days once again that might just replenish your so-tired spirit, and that just makes us smile.” — Paul Fantaski (SJC Chair)
Regional Competition Map
Competition Categories, Sample Prompts, Rubrics
All rubrics for the fall contests linked here.
On-Site (Write-Off) Competitions
1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will receive a sheet that features five pictures and also a sheet that provides information for each picture. Students will have to create a lead-in and full caption for each shot. Captions must tell a complete story and should have a minimum length of three complete sentences.
2Y - Yearbook Copy Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word yearbook story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word yearbook sports story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
4Y - Yearbook Spread Design (view sample prompt / view rubric)
With a pencil, ruler, and layout sheet, students will design a yearbook student life spread based on information provided on a requirement sheet.
5N - Newspaper News Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word news story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
6N - Newspaper Feature Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word feature story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
7N - Newspaper Sports Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write a 250-300 word sports story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
8E - Editorial Cartoon (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given an information sheet on a topic of general interest. After reading the material, students will create a cartoon relevant to the material. Judges will look for a simple and clear editorial statement with evidence of artistic ability and a creative approach.
9E - Editorial Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given an information sheet on a topic of general interest. After reading the material, students will write an editorial using their ideas to either support or oppose a position.
10L - Literary Magazine Poetry (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write an original poem for a literary magazine using a theme and length given. Title the poem and clearly indicate lines through identification and the use of margins. Students should: exhibit an understanding of poetry, its conventions, punctuation, and potential; create a setting; convey a tone; connect to feelings; and delve beyond the surface.
11L - Literary Magazine Artwork (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given a poem. After reading it, students will create a drawing relevant to the poem that would accompany it in a literary magazine.
12B - Broadcast Writing (view sample prompt) / view rubric)
Students will be given six stories that they must convert into broadcast style. The script should examine at least four of the six, be 90-seconds long (give or take five seconds), and adhere to the conventions of broadcast writing.
Carry-In Competitions
13YP - Yearbook Photography (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
14NP - Newspaper Photography (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
15BN - Broadcast News Package (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast news package created after November 16, 2022.
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package (FALL 2023 PROMPT // view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast feature package created after November 16, 2022.
16BL - Blog (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
This new category asks students to create an online blog. You can write about any topic(s) that interest(s )you and your publication's readers. The judges will be looking for fresh work that answers questions teens need answers to in their schools. This entry can include one or two posts you have written on the topic during this school year. You may interview individuals, but the blog is primarily the opinion of the writer supported by local evidence. Length should be around 300-400 words. Write for your readership, not the judges. You can edit your work up to contest day. Submit the URL for your blog when you register.
17POD - Podcast (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Judges look for fresh conversations about topics that interest you and your listeners. You can do a solo podcast or expand your podcast to fresh new topics by interviewing other individuals. Your podcast should not last more than 10 minutes Create your podcast using any audio tools you have that are compatible with your student publications website. If your student publication does not have a website, create your own (you can use web tools like WordPress or Google Sites to post your podcast.) Upload to your student publication website (preferred) and submit the URL for the judge to use to find your podcast when you register.
13YP - Yearbook Photography (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
- Students must submit five (5) pictures according to the categories listed in the rubric linked above.
- Make sure to prioritize creating a quality photo caption/cutline for each (at least two to three line sentences that tells who, what, when, and where.)
- One photo must be submitted from each of the rubric categories.
14NP - Newspaper Photography (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Photo Requirements:
Students may only use Photoshop (or another photo editing program) to crop and/or lighten photos, as we expect properly cropped photos with exemplary lighting. Beyond that, all other aspects of photos should naturally retain their integrity.
- Students must submit five (5) pictures according to the categories listed in the rubric linked above.
- Make sure to prioritize creating a quality photo caption/cutline for each (at least two to three line sentences that tells who, what, when, and where.)
- One photo must be submitted from each of the rubric categories.
15BN - Broadcast News Package (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast news package created after November 16, 2022.
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package (FALL 2023 PROMPT // view rubric)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to two minute broadcast feature package created after November 16, 2022.
16BL - Blog (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
This new category asks students to create an online blog. You can write about any topic(s) that interest(s )you and your publication's readers. The judges will be looking for fresh work that answers questions teens need answers to in their schools. This entry can include one or two posts you have written on the topic during this school year. You may interview individuals, but the blog is primarily the opinion of the writer supported by local evidence. Length should be around 300-400 words. Write for your readership, not the judges. You can edit your work up to contest day. Submit the URL for your blog when you register.
17POD - Podcast (FALL 2023 PROMPT / view rubric)
Judges look for fresh conversations about topics that interest you and your listeners. You can do a solo podcast or expand your podcast to fresh new topics by interviewing other individuals. Your podcast should not last more than 10 minutes Create your podcast using any audio tools you have that are compatible with your student publications website. If your student publication does not have a website, create your own (you can use web tools like WordPress or Google Sites to post your podcast.) Upload to your student publication website (preferred) and submit the URL for the judge to use to find your podcast when you register.
State Student Journalism Competitions
Regional winners are eligible to compete in the state journalism competition, typically in March. In each category, students will compete against other regional winners.
After a team of journalism experts evaluates the work of your students, state winners for each competition will be announced. All students will receive helpful feedback on their submissions.
PSPA will do everything possible to help schools and communities recognize and celebrate the achievements of your students, including releasing results to your local news outlets, informing principals, and posting results on the PSPA website. What’s good for your students is good for tomorrow’s journalism community.
There is no fee for Finals competition.
BROADCAST NEWS PACKAGE WINNER — PSPA State Finals 2022
Ethan Grove & Nick Buono - CTV - Central York HS
Ethan Grove & Nick Buono - CTV - Central York HS
