Fall Regional Student Journalism Competitions (SJCs)
FALL 2024
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:
- Rules & Regulations - Please review, as some rules and regulations have recently changed.
- Registration Form - Advisers must register ALL attendees (advisers, competing and non-competing students, chaperones, etc.)
- Rubrics - Share these with your students to prepare them.
Digital Entry Submission:
Competitors in our photography, broadcast video, blog, and podcast "carry-in" categories are required to submit their entries online. If your entry is housed in Google Drive, please adjust your share settings to ensure that your entry is shared to ensure "Anyone with the link" can view it.
Submissions Now CLOSED (Deadline: Friday, October 25, by 11:59 p.m.)
Site - Event Date - (Registration Start Date-Registration Deadline)
Point Park - September 27 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 9/17
PSU Behrend - October 23 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 10/13
Bloomsburg - October 24 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 10/14
PSU Lehigh Valley - October 25 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 10/15
PSU Altoona - October 25 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 10/15
Slippery Rock - November 1 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 10/22
York College - November 1 - REGISTRATION CLOSED 10/22
Temple - December 6 - REGISTRATION CLOSES 11/26
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:
- All competing students must attend their respective Regional to be eligible to qualify for Finals (even carry-in categories).
- Students competing in the podcast category (17POD) may compete in teams of up to three students (the cost is $15 per entry, not per student).
- The deadline to submit all carry-in entries (Yearbook Photography, Newspaper Photography, Broadcast Feature Package, Broadcast News Package, Blog, and Podcast) is 11:59 p.m. October 25, no matter which Regional you attend.
For questions about specific events, below is the board member to contact:
- Point Park: Paul Fantaski
- PSU Behrend: Jane Blystone
- Bloomsburg: Paul Fantaski
- PSU Lehigh Valley: Jonathan Bickel & Destiny Beck
- PSU Altoona: Nate Thompson & Samantha Corza
- Slippery Rock: Aaron Fitzpatrick & Meghan Adams
- York College: Lisa Sands & Alex Strickler
- Temple: Kate Plows & Jessica Brasch
Paul Fantaski is the SJC chair and can be contacted with questions at [email protected].
“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)
Competition Categories & Sample Prompts
On-Site (Write-Off) Competitions
1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing (view sample prompt)
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 (including a quote and an additional line providing the reader with information not obvious by looking at the photo) 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)
Students will write a 250-300 word yearbook story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing (view sample prompt)
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)
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)
Students will write a 250-300 word news story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
6N - Newspaper Feature Writing (view sample prompt)
Students will write a 250-300 word feature story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
7N - Newspaper Sports Writing (view sample prompt)
Students will write a 250-300 word sports story based on information provided on a fact sheet.
8E - Editorial Cartoon (view sample prompt)
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)
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)
Students will write an original poem for a literary magazine following the provided parameters (theme and length). 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)
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)
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
All carry-in entries will be submitted after registration via Google Form by a deadline established and shared by PSPA.
13YP - Yearbook Photography (view sample prompt)
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 (view sample prompt)
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 (view sample prompt)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to 2.5-minute broadcast news package. Students may work in groups of up
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package (view sample prompt)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to 2.5-minute broadcast feature package.
16BL - Blog (view sample prompt)
Students will submit a blog post showcasing a current event. You can write about any topic(s) that interest(s )you and your publication's readers. Blog posts should be visually appealing, cover a current event with a unique angle and voice, and contain a multimedia element that adds context to the post. Length must be between 400-600 words.
17POD - Podcast (view sample prompt)
Up to three students may collectively submit a podcast episode showcasing a topic relevant to their school's student population. Length must be between 20-30 minutes.
13YP - Yearbook Photography (view sample prompt)
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 (view sample prompt)
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 (view sample prompt)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to 2.5-minute broadcast news package. Students may work in groups of up
15BF - Broadcast Feature Package (view sample prompt)
Up to three students may collectively create and submit a 90-second to 2.5-minute broadcast feature package.
16BL - Blog (view sample prompt)
Students will submit a blog post showcasing a current event. You can write about any topic(s) that interest(s )you and your publication's readers. Blog posts should be visually appealing, cover a current event with a unique angle and voice, and contain a multimedia element that adds context to the post. Length must be between 400-600 words.
17POD - Podcast (view sample prompt)
Up to three students may collectively submit a podcast episode showcasing a topic relevant to their school's student population. Length must be between 20-30 minutes.
Student Journalism Competition State Finals
Regional winners are eligible to compete in the State Finals, typically in late March or early April. 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.