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Youth Journalism International (YJI)

Auburn, Maine, United States

About

Youth Journalism International (YJI) is a global educational nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people worldwide through the practice of journalism. It connects aspiring student writers, artists, and photographers with peers across continents, fostering cross-cultural understanding and advocating for a free youth press. The organization provides a robust platform for individuals aged 12 to 22 to articulate their perspectives and share their stories on an international stage. YJI offers complimentary journalism education and invaluable mentorship from seasoned professional editors, enabling students to cultivate essential reporting and communication competencies. A cornerstone initiative is its esteemed annual Youth Journalism Contest, which celebrates exceptional work by teen journalists across diverse categories. YJI also facilitates global conferences, bringing together students from varied backgrounds to collaborate, exchange ideas, and forge lasting international friendships. Since its founding in 1994, YJI has significantly impacted over a thousand young individuals, with their work gaining recognition in prominent publications and educational resources.

Affiliations

501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizationGlobal Youth & News MediaFirst Amendment Museum

Programs Offered

  • Journalism education
  • Annual Youth Journalism Contest
  • Global Conferences
  • Mentorship with professional editors
  • Cross-cultural understanding initiatives

Achievements

  • Trained over 1,000 young people
  • Published over 600 students
  • Students' work featured in National Geographic textbook and PBS Newshour Extra
  • Hosted global conferences in Istanbul, Prague, Mexico City, and Cape Town

Leadership

  • Jackie Majerus Executive Director (Youth Journalism International)
  • Steve Collins Board President & Co-founder (Youth Journalism International)
  • Mike Soltys Board Member (Youth Journalism International)

Opportunities from Youth Journalism International (YJI)

Competition

YJI Frank Keegan Award for News

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism award by YJI recognizing excellence in news reporting by young journalists aged 19 and under. Named after YJI co-founder. Crystal trophy for winners.

👶For children ages 0–19
🏠Join from home
💰$25 registration

What your child could gain:

News reportingJournalismWriting
Competition

YJI First Amendment Award

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism award by YJI honoring young journalists aged 19 and under who demonstrate commitment to free speech and press freedom. Crystal trophy for winners.

👶For children ages 0–19
🏠Join from home
💰$25 registration

What your child could gain:

JournalismInvestigative reportingMedia literacy
Competition

YJI Courage in Journalism Award

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism award by YJI recognizing young journalists aged 19 and under for reporting done in difficult or risky circumstances. Crystal trophy for winners.

👶For children ages 0–19
🏠Join from home
💰$25 registration

What your child could gain:

Investigative journalismCourageous reportingMedia ethics
Competition

YJI Youth Journalism Contest - Multimedia Sports

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism contest category by YJI for multimedia sports coverage by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.

🏠Join from home
💰$7 registration

What your child could gain:

Sports journalismVideo productionSports storytelling
Competition

YJI Youth Journalism Contest - Multimedia Profile

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism contest category by YJI for multimedia profile pieces by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.

🏠Join from home
💰$7 registration

What your child could gain:

Multimedia storytellingVideo productionProfile writing
Competition

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.

👶For children ages 0–19
🏠Join from home
💰$25 registration

What your child could gain:

Interview skillsNarrative writingCharacter study
Competition

YJI Opinion Writing Award

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism award by YJI recognizing outstanding opinion and editorial writing by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.

👶For children ages 0–19
🏠Join from home
💰$7 registration

What your child could gain:

Persuasive writingArgumentationEditorial analysis
Competition

YJI Column Writing Award

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International journalism award by YJI recognizing outstanding column writing by young journalists aged 19 and under. Award certificates for winners.

👶For children ages 0–19
🏠Join from home
💰$7 registration

What your child could gain:

Commentary writingVoice developmentAnalytical writing
Competition

YJI Photo Essay Contest

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International photojournalism contest by YJI for young journalists aged 19 and under, recognizing outstanding photo essay storytelling. Individual and team entries accepted.

🏠Join from home
💰$7 registration

What your child could gain:

PhotojournalismVisual storytellingPhoto editing
Competition

YJI Multimedia News Contest

by Youth Journalism International (YJI)

International multimedia news reporting contest by YJI for young journalists aged 19 and under. Video, audio, and mixed-media news entries accepted individually or as teams.

🏠Join from home
💰$25 registration

What your child could gain:

Video journalismAudio productionMultimedia editing

Quick Facts

Type
Educational NGO
Founded
1994
Opportunities
500

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