YJI Youth Journalism Contest - News Story
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International journalism contest category by YJI for straight news reporting 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 news reporting 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 News Story category is part of the annual Youth Journalism International (YJI) contest, one of the longest-running youth journalism competitions worldwide. This category recognizes excellence in straight news reporting by young journalists aged 19 and under from around the globe.
Entries should demonstrate strong news reporting fundamentals including timely, fact-based coverage of events and issues. The contest is open to non-professional journalists who have published or broadcast work in English. Submissions are accepted 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 news reporting work
How entries are judged
Entries are evaluated based on strong news reporting fundamentals, including timely and fact-based coverage of events and issues, journalistic ethics, writing quality, and originality.
Selection process
Submissions are evaluated for excellence in straight news reporting. Winners are selected from first place to honorable mention based on the judges' assessment of journalistic quality.
How to prepare
- YJI website resources
- Examples of award-winning news stories
- Journalism ethics guidelines
- News writing guides
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of success in this international news story competition?
Participants can improve their chances by focusing on strong news reporting fundamentals, ensuring timely and fact-based coverage, adhering to journalistic ethics, and demonstrating high-quality writing and originality. Reviewing past winning entries and understanding the judging criteria can also be beneficial.
What are the common pitfalls or mistakes applicants should avoid during the submission process for the news story category?
Common mistakes include submitting work outside the specified publication dates, providing inaccessible links to entries, failing to meet age requirements, or not adhering to the 'non-professional journalist' status. Ensuring all rules are carefully followed is crucial.
How does participation in this international competition benefit a young journalist's portfolio and career prospects?
Participation offers international recognition, enhances a journalist's portfolio with a prestigious award, and provides validation from professional judges. This can significantly boost credibility and open doors for future educational and career opportunities in journalism.
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