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 are a morning of education and competitions 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.  That’s PSPA’s SJCs.
Highlights from the 2017 PSPA SJC Finals at Penn State University

Regional SJCs (Student Journalism Competitions)


​Take the best of the PSPA Convention, and then take the  best of JEA-style Write-Offs, and squish them into one high-energy morning. Regional SJCs take place at universities throughout the state.  At most of the regional events, which will take place in October, November and December, the day will look like this (note: times may vary slightly at each location).
  • 8:30: Registration
  • 9:00 - 9:45: Welcome and Keynote Address
  • 9:50 - 10:40:  SESSION ONE: Newspaper, broadcast and literary magazine competitions. Sessions with professionals
  • 10:45 - 11:30: SESSION TWO: Editorial and yearbook competitions. Sessions with professionals
  • 11:35 - 12:15: Break Out Sessions
  • 12:15: Dismissal (Lunch on your own)

Students should bring a pen or pencil if competing.
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2017 Regional Dates & Sites 

 
Thanks to all advisers and students who participated in the regional competitions. Results are posted on our News page. Stay tuned for announcements of the Fall 2018 Regional SJC dates.
  • PSU Behrend – October 20
  • PSU Altoona – October 27 
  • PSU Berks - November 3 
  • Point Park University – November 3 
  • Temple University – November 8 
  • Harrisburg Area Community College – November 14 
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State Finalists


2018 Finals Date: Tuesday, March 27 • Stay tuned for registration.
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​After a team of journalism experts evaluates the work of your students (and all students will receive helpful feedback on their submissions), winners for each competition will be announced. 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 PA student journalism, and tomorrow’s journalism community.

Our winners then will meet again in March at PSU University Park for our PSPA SJC State Finalists competition.  The day’s schedule will follow the Regional Schedule described above. 
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Competition Fee


The fee for each student from PSPA member schools to attend a SJC workshop and compete in an above category $12.00. PSPA Level 1 memberships include three complimentary entrance fees to the fall SJCs, and Level 2 memberships include six complimentary entrance fees to the fall SJCs.

Only member schools can compete in the SJCs. Not a PSPA member? Become a member today!
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Competition Categories

On-Site (Write-Off) Competitions 


​1Y - Yearbook Caption Writing (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will write a caption for five pictures provided. Captions must tell a complete story. They should have a minimum length of two complete sentences.

2Y - Yearbook Copy Writing (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will write copy block information provided on a fact sheet.

3Y - Yearbook Sports Writing (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will write copy block information provided on a fact sheet.

4Y - Yearbook Spread Design (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will design a yearbook spread based on a theme.

5N - Newspaper News Story Writing (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.

6N - Newspaper Feature Writing (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.

7N - Newspaper Sports Story Writing (view evaluation rubrics)
Students will write a story based on a fact sheet.

8E - Editorial Cartoon (view evaluation rubrics)
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 evaluation rubrics)
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 evaluation rubrics)
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 evaluation rubrics)
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 evaluation rubrics)
Students will be given five stories that they must convert into broadcast style. The script should be 90 second long (give or take 5 seconds) and adhere to the conventions of broadcast writing.
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Competition Categories 

Carry-In Competitions 


​13YP - Yearbook Carry-In Photos (view evaluation rubrics)
This carry-in category requires that students submit three different photos digitally at the time of registration AND bring printed 5X7 or 8X10 copies of each photo submitted at the time of registration with them on the day of the competition.
Photo Requirements:
  • Photo One: Capture a Moment Photo (Action and/or Emotion) - Judges will look for how well the photographer froze an athletic moment or how much an emotional shot takes their breath away. The photographer must choose only one.
  • Photo Two: Academic Shot - Judges will look for a unique and fresh shot that reflects something academic at school.
  • Photo Three: Still Shot (No Pets) - It could be a spider, a barn, a flower, a ham sandwich, a landscape, or whatever. Judges will look for brilliant detail in zoomed-in shots or overall composition in landscape/structure/formation shots.
  • See the link for the evaluation rubrics above for further detail.

14NP - Newspaper Carry-In Photos (view evaluation rubrics)
This carry-in category requires that students submit three different photos digitally at the time of registration AND bring printed 5X7 or 8X10 copies of each photo submitted at the time of registration with them on the day of the competition.

Photo Requirements:
  • Photo One: Capture a Moment Photo (Action and/or Emotion) - Judges will look for how well the photographer froze an athletic moment or how much an emotional shot takes their breath away. The photographer must choose only one.
  • Photo Two: Academic Shot - Judges will look for a unique and fresh shot that reflects something academic at school.
  • Photo Three: Still Shot (No Pets) - It could be a spider, a barn, a flower, a ham sandwich, a landscape, or whatever. Judges will look for brilliant detail in zoomed-in shots or overall composition in landscape/structure/formation shots.
  • See the link for the evaluation rubrics above for further detail.​

​15A - Carry-In News Package Video (view evaluation rubrics)
This carry-in category requires that students submit a video file at the time of registration.

15B - Carry-In Feature Package Video (view evaluation rubrics)
​​This carry-in category requires that students submit a video file at the time of registration.
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