Equipping the Next Generation of Journalists
In a world grappling with climate crises, economic inequality, and deep political divides, the role of journalists has never been more crucial. Journalists have the power to unravel complex issues to arrive at truths, shine a light on abuses of power, and dive deep into the systemic factors driving global challenges. Most importantly, journalists have the power to inspire meaningful change. Equipping the next generation of journalists with the tools to do this right is critical.
This November, JT’s Director of Digital Strategies, Morgan McDonough, and JT client, the Foundation for Systemic Change (FSC), launched the 2025 Fred Ross Systemic Change Journalism Competition at the National Scholastic Press Association’s (NSPA) conference for high-school journalists in Philadelphia, PA. The competition seeks to empower high school journalists to report on those addressing systemic issues in their own communities.
Just days following the 2024 general election, the timing - and location - for the launch held extra weight.
With over 1,000 students in attendance for the NSPA Individual awards ceremony, Morgan gave a speech to recognize the top students in broadcast, radio, multimedia and print journalism at the high school level. In its second year, the competition received over 150 entries from high school students nationwide, covering topics like water insecurity, environmental justice, prison reform, and more. This year’s winners included:
Makayla Herrick and Kalob Hersh, students from Davison High School in Michigan. The pair took home first place for their broadcast segment on the Flint Water Crisis. Watch their reporting.
Josephine Schwartz, a senior at Iowa City West High School and photo editor for her school’s newspaper, West Side Story, who wrote about local efforts to restore and preserve the state’s prairie ecosystems. Read her reporting.
Naomi Hsu, a student journalist from Carlmont High School in California, wrote about the transformative impact of prison arts programs and their role in fostering rehabilitation and self-discovery for incarcerated individuals. Read her reporting.
The competition is named in honor of Fred Ross, an extraordinary grassroots organizer who mentored and worked alongside legendary leaders like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Fred Ross committed his life to organizing working men and women, enabling them to advocate for themselves and improve their communities. The Foundation is also supporting a new documentary to be released in 2025 titled “American Agitators,” exploring Fred Ross and the power of grassroots organizing.
Before launching the competition, Morgan and John also held a workshop for high schoolers to learn about the power of collective action, Fred Ross and journalism’s role in preserving democracy.
JT is honored to work with the Foundation for Systemic Change on this competition year after year and we’re looking forward to reading this year’s submissions.
Calling all high school journalists! If you are interested in applying, visit the Foundation’s website for more information.
