Regional Student Journalism Competitions
Isn’t it time that we celebrate journalistic talent and ability with the same gusto that Pennsylvanians celebrate accomplishments in music, theater and sport? The PSPA SJCs represent an educational and competitive event for every student journalist in Pennsylvania. Featuring writing, design, and artistic opportunities similar to those offered at the Journalism Education Association’s semi-annual conventions – but near you, and at affordable prices.
Items to note:
Items to note:
- We are sure that each college/university will have their own COVID requirements to attend. PSPA and its members must abide by all of those rules.
- We do plan to accommodate schools that might not be permitted to attend the sites. We will have an online version of the contests ready, similar to what we did in the spring. Still, schools cannot compete at both a college/university site AND online. Each school must choose only one. Also, all students who compete online will compete against each other. We will consider the online contest as the “8th Regional.”
- We plan to reinstate the Finals as on-site contests in the spring of 2022 at Penn State Main, just like we've done in the past.
Competition Fee
The fee for each student from PSPA member schools to compete in any category is $12.00 for fall 2021.
Only member schools can compete in the SJCs. Not a PSPA member? Become a member today!
State Student Journalism Competitions
Regional winners are eligible to compete in the state journalism competition, typically in March. In each category, students will compete again against other regional winners from across the state.
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.
Like the regional competitions, our board Is assessing the best design for the 2022 State Journalism Competition. We will update you on our plans in early fall. In the meanwhile, we’d like to hear your suggestions and questions!
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 what’s good for Pennsylvania student journalism, as well as tomorrow’s journalism community.
Competition Categories, Sample Prompts, Rubrics
On-Site (Write-Off) Competitions
1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will write captions and lead-ins for five provided pictures. 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 academics spread based on information provided on a requirement
sheet.
5N - Newspaper News Story 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 Story 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 design a cartoon relevant to the material. Judges will look for a simple and clear editorial statement and 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 the theme and length given. Title the poem and clearly indicate lines through identification and the use of margins. Students are to exhibit an understanding of poetry, its conventions, punctuation and potential to create a setting, convey a tone, connect to feelings and to delve beyond the surface.
11L - Literary Magazine Stand-Alone Artwork (view sample prompt / view rubric)
Students will be given a poem written by a professional poet. After reading the poem, students will create a drawing that is relevant to the poem and that would accompany the poem in the 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 be 90 seconds long (give or take 5 seconds) and adhere to the conventions of broadcast writing.
Carry-In Competitions
13YP - Yearbook Carry-In Photos (view rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit five different photos digitally at the time of registration. New this Year: You no longer need to bring in printed copies of the pictures on the contest date. Uploads only.
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.
(NOTE: These are subject to change)
- Photo One: Framing Shot - Judges will look for how well the photographer framed the subject, as well as what makes it special or different.
- Photo Two: Emotion Shot - Judges will look for a photo that exhibits great facial expressions... and more...
- Photo Three: Angle Shot - Judges will look for a unique music shot that exemplifies multiple masterful photo techniques.
- Photo Four: Frozen Action Shot - Judges will look for a unique high-velocity moment shot that captures/freezes incredible
action. - Photo Five: Best in Show Shot - (Must have a human in the photo) Judges will look for a shot that takes their breath away. It should tell a story without the need for any explanation.
14NP - Newspaper Carry-In Photos (view rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit five different photos digitally at the time of registration. New this Year: You no longer need to bring in printed copies of the pictures on the contest date. Uploads only.
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.
(NOTE: These are subject to change)
- Photo One: Framing Shot - Judges will look for how well the photographer framed the subject, as well as what makes it special or different.
- Photo Two: Emotion Shot - Judges will look for a photo that exhibits great facial expressions... and more...
- Photo Three: Angle Shot - Judges will look for a unique music shot that exemplifies multiple masterful photo techniques.
- Photo Four: Frozen Action Shot - Judges will look for a unique high-velocity moment shot that captures/freezes incredible
action. - Photo Five: Best in Show Shot - (Must have a human in the photo) Judges will look for a shot that takes their breath away. It should tell a story without the need for any explanation.
15BN - Carry-In News Package Video (view rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit a video file at the time of registration. (up to three students may contribute to each package.)
15BF - Carry-In Feature Package Video (view rubric)
This carry-in category requires that students submit a video file at the time of registration. (up to three students may contribute to each package.)
