2012 Contest

 International Contest Showcases Best Teen Journalism

 WEST HARTFORD, Conn., U.S.A. – Youth Journalism International, a Connecticut-based nonprofit, is encouraging talented teenage journalists to enter its annual contest honoring the best young reporters, photographers and cartoonists around the world.

The contest, the largest worldwide, showcases the best journalism in English by young people.

“Every year, we see great work done by many young people all over the world. It’s a real honor for us to see it all,” said Steve Collins, Youth Journalism International’s president.

 

2011 YJI Contest Trophies

Winners in major categories receive crystal trophies and other prize winners receive custom-made certificates.

There are a number of categories for entries, including Student Journalist of the Year, the Courage in Journalism award, Journalism Educator of the Year, The Jacinta Marie Bunnell Award for Commentary and The Frank Keegan “Take No Prisoners” Award for News.

“Young journalists play an important role telling stories that adults often overlook,” said Jackie Majerus, executive director at YJI. “These awards are a way to celebrate their best work.”

Entries, which must be in English and published between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2011, are due no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, February 3.. Awards will be handed out in May. Only work by non-professionals – those who are not paid — is allowed.

Details on how to enter the contest are available under the Contests link at the top of Youth Journalism International’s website at www.YouthJournalism.org.

In a bid to reduce paperwork and ease the administrative hassle, entries can be done entirely online by filling out a form on YJI’s website and submitting work via email.

A complete list of last year’s winners, who hailed from 16 countries on four continents, is also available on the website.

Youth Journalism International is a recognized 501(c)(3) public educational charity by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. A non-governmental organization, YJI depends on donations from supporters to continue its important work training the next generation of journalists.

Its students’ work has been featured by The Huffington Post, National Geographic, PBS NewsHour, The Tattoo teen newspaper, Radio Pacifica, Connecticut Public Radio and other news organizations.

For more information, contact Jackie Majerus, YJI’s executive director, or Steve Collins, YJI’s president, at (860) 523-9632 or yjicontest@gmail.com.

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