YJI Youth Journalism Contest - Feature Story
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International journalism contest category by YJI for human-interest and narrative feature writing by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.
Mode
Online
Fee
$7 for one student, $15 for a team of up to 3, $25 for a team of 4 or more
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 2 or more
Duration
Annual contest cycle
Time needed
Submission of previously published work
Eligibility
Open to non-professional journalists aged 19 and under worldwide. Work must have been published or broadcast in English. Entries from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues accepted.
- Age range
- Up to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Published or broadcast feature writing work in English
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Award Certificate
Custom-made award certificates for all winners from first place to honorable mention
Recognition
International Journalism Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 13 Feb 2026
- Results
- 2 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit entry via YJI online form with public link to published work
- 2Pay entry fee of $7 USD per individual entry (fee waivers available)
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be non-professional journalists aged 19 or under
- All entries must be accessible online with a public link
- Work must have been published or broadcast in English
- Judges may reassign entries to a more appropriate category
- Previous first-place winners in this category cannot re-enter
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual entry fee is $7 USD. Team entries cost $15 for three people or fewer and $25 for four or more. Fee waivers are available for individuals facing financial hardship: write to contest@youthjournalism.org. Waiver requests are limited to two entries.
About this opportunity
The Feature Story category is part of the annual Youth Journalism International (YJI) contest, one of the longest-running youth journalism competitions worldwide. This category celebrates creative, narrative-driven journalism by young journalists aged 19 and under, recognizing human-interest stories, in-depth narratives, and compelling feature writing.
Feature stories take a more creative approach than straight news, often incorporating detailed anecdotes, storytelling techniques, and exploration of evergreen subjects. The contest is open to non-professional journalists who have published or broadcast work in English from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues.
Entries are evaluated by more than two dozen judges including professional journalists, teachers, and media experts worldwide. Winners from first place to honorable mention receive custom-made award certificates. Individual entry fee is $7 USD with fee waivers available for individuals experiencing financial hardship.
Rounds and format
Single round evaluation of previously published feature writing work
How entries are judged
Entries evaluated for quality of narrative feature writing including storytelling, human-interest appeal, and creative journalistic approach
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
What are the key elements judges look for in a winning feature story entry?
Judges prioritize compelling storytelling, strong human-interest appeal, originality in narrative approach, and overall journalistic quality. Entries should demonstrate a creative and engaging style beyond straight news reporting.
How can participants effectively manage competitive pressure during the contest period?
Focus on producing high-quality work that reflects individual strengths and passions. Reviewing past winning entries can provide inspiration, but the emphasis should be on unique storytelling and adherence to journalistic best practices.
What are common mistakes participants should avoid when submitting their feature stories?
Ensure the submitted work was published within the specified dates and is publicly accessible via a working link. Avoid submitting first-person or opinion articles in news and feature categories, and do not co-byline with teachers.
How does participation in this international contest benefit a young journalist's portfolio and career aspirations?
Receiving international recognition and a custom-made award certificate significantly enhances a participant's journalism portfolio. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and provides valuable validation from professional journalists and media experts worldwide.
Are there specific themes or topics that are generally favored in the feature story category?
While there are no specific favored themes, human-interest stories, in-depth narratives, and explorations of evergreen subjects that resonate with a broad audience often perform well. The key is a compelling narrative and strong journalistic integrity.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
YJI Profile Writing Award
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
International journalism award by YJI recognizing outstanding profile writing by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.
What your child could gain:
Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition
by Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR)
An international essay competition by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR) for high school students to develop critical thinking on global issues.
What your child could gain:
John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - Theology
by John Locke Institute (JLI)
An international essay competition for students 18 and under, offering scholarships for insightful essays on challenging theological questions.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app