Communities are stronger when young people have a voice and the tools to tell important stories.
Traditional local news is disappearing, but teenagers across America are keeping journalism alive in their communities in new and innovative ways. From interviews with local representatives to conversations with peers who are grappling with top-of-mind issues, student journalists are filling critical information gaps.
Hundreds of federal, state and local elections will be held in 2022 with candidates up and down the ballot vying for votes. Student journalism ensures youth voices are heard.
The Student Reporting Labs Election Toolkit is designed to give middle and high school students the tools and confidence to practice quality journalism in their community during the 2022 midterm election cycle.
This page includes how to's, example stories produced by student journalists, challenges and additional resources collected and created using the knowledge and expertise of teens, educators and SRL, a leader in the youth journalism space.
More than 8 million young people will be eligible to vote in the U.S. midterm elections. Will you be one of them? What do you care about? With the U.S. midterm elections this November, we explore the ways in which young Americans are politically engaged. Deadline: Fri. September 30, 2022
You’re 18! What’s it like for YOU to register to vote? Is it fairly simple or overly complicated? Produce your voter registration story and shine light on the experience. Deadline: Fri. September 30, 2022
Amid political polarization, misinformation on social media, voting restrictions and concerns about security and access– how are election workers coping? Interview an election worker in your community and ask them about how they are dealing with threats and other challenges. Rolling deadline.
A number of issues are on the ballot this midterm election, from abortion, to minimum wage, race and gender in schools. What’s at stake in your community? Rolling deadline.
Student journalists can hold politicians accountable and ask important questions about issues that matter. Take to the camera and interview a local politician in your area who’s on the ballot, whether they’re running for school board or Congress. Learn more + complete this activity here.
Toolkit
2-4 Weeks