Junior Journalist Program

Young Voices. Real Stories. Community Impact.

Welcome to the Junior Journalist Program — where the next generation of storytellers learns to inform, inspire, and change lives.

Our mission is simple & powerful

Revitalize Local Journalism
Empower Youth Voices
Educate Young Audiences on Issues that Matter

Why This Program Matters

The crisis in local journalism has created information deserts across our neighborhoods. Youth-led reporting matters because it fills these gaps with genuine local stories, providing a vital platform for student voices while training the next generation to inform, inspire, and foster community resilience.

Monthly Challenge

Each month, one standout article, video, and podcast is selected for publication at Embarcadero Media Foundation's network of three printed weekly newspapers, seven hyperlocal news websites and six email newsletters that serve a population of more than 500,000 people in the Bay Area.

Article Highlights Month

Investigative Media Studies

Analyzing the impact of investigative storytelling on local policy changes and neighborhood recovery efforts.

Youth Voice Advocacy

How junior journalists are using their unique perspective to advocate for community health and prevention education.

Digital Media Ethics

Navigating the responsibilities and ethical boundaries of journalism in the modern digital age.

Our Sponsors and Support

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our dedicated partners and community organizations who champion the next generation of investigate journalists.

Three Valleys Community Foundation

Alameda County Behavioral Health Services

Tha Town

Embarcadero Media

Pleasanton Weekly