Young Journalists

The Washington Post Young Journalists Development Program (YJDP) offers journalism training and education to local high school journalists and media advisors, and promotes diversity in the media industry through career guidance and mentoring. 

YJDP is partnering with staff of the News Literacy Project to host a series of three summer workshops focusing on news literacy and honing critical-thinking skills. Registration deadline: Friday, June 22 at 1 p.m. Click here to learn more.

High school students in the Washington area can now apply for the 2012 YJDP Digital Workshop, a free, weeklong multimedia journalism workshop at The Post. Ten students will be selected for the workshop. Apply today!

This award is presented to one high school sophomore whose work demonstrates an aptitude for high school or community journalism. The 2012 award winner is Carolyn Conte, opinion editor for The Stampedethe student newspaper of Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland.

This award is presented to one high school junior or senior who has exhibited excellence in journalism and has made solid contributions to high school or community journalism. The 2012 award winner is Lauren McCracken, managing director (equivalent to an editor-in-chief) for Theology the student newspaper of T.C. Williams High Schoolin Alexandria, Virginia.

This award is presented to a journalism advisor (less than 5 years experience) that has worked to enhance their journalistic skill set, has supported the growth of high school journalism programs in their community, and is an active role model for students and fellow journalism advisors. The 2012 award winner is Kathryn Helmke, journalism teacher at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia.

This award is presented to an experienced advisor (more than 5 years experience) who has demonstrated a dedication to promoting interest in high school journalism and has inspired fellow journalism advisors and students. The 2012 award winner is Suzanne Gill, journalism adviser at Stafford Senior High School in Falmouth, Virginia.