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.
Fall 2019 Regional Dates & Sites
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.
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.
- Bloomsburg - October 11 - Register by 10/1
- HACC (Main Campus) - October 15 - Register by 10/8
- PSU Behrend - October 18 - Register by 10/8
- IUP - October 18 - Register by 10/11
- Drexel - October 25 - Register by 10/18
- Juniata - October 31 - Register by 10/21
- Point Park - November 1 - Register by 10/25
- Berks - November 8 - Register by 10/29
Regional SJC Schedule
At most of the regional events, 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.
Competition Fee
PSPA annual memberships include five complimentary entrance fees to the fall SJCs. The fee for each additional student from PSPA member schools to attend a SJC workshop and compete in any category is $12.00.
Only member schools can compete in the SJCs. Not a PSPA member? Become a member today!
State Finals
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 on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at PSU University Park for our PSPA SJC State Finalists competition.
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 three 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:
- Photo One: Capture a Moment Photo (Action or Emotion) - Judges will look for how well the photographer froze an athletic moment or how much an emotional shot moves them.
- Photo Two: Club / Music Photo - Judges will look for a unique and fresh shot that reflects something from music or clubs at school.
- Photo Three: 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 three 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:
- 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 moves them.
- Photo Two: Club / Music Photo - Judges will look for a unique and fresh shot that reflects something from music or clubs at school.
- Photo Three: 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.)
