Contests & Events
WisJEA 2025-2026 Mini Contests
The Wisconsin Journalism Education Association is excited to kick off the 2025–26 WisJEA Mini Contest series—a yearlong opportunity to celebrate and elevate the work of Wisconsin’s high school student journalists.
Each month, student reporters, editors, photographers, videographers, and multimedia creators can submit their best work related to the month’s theme. Submissions must be student-produced journalism—text, video, photography, audio, or multimedia—accompanied by a 50–100 word description of the story behind the piece.
______________________________________________________
Kettle Moraine Press Association Summer Camp
Kettle Moraine Press Association (KEMPA) hosts its annual Summer Journalism Camp at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, a four-day, hands-on experience for students in grades 7–12. The 2026 camp will take place July 26–29 and offers participants the opportunity to learn from professional journalists and advisers while working in real campus media facilities. Students select from strands such as writing, broadcasting, sports media and photojournalism, building practical skills through interactive sessions and collaboration with peers from across the state.
The camp includes both instructional workshops and team-based activities, including the KEMPA Cup competition, along with optional residential or commuter attendance. Cost for 2026 is approximately $585–$615 for overnight campers and $550–$585 for commuters. Registration opens in the spring and typically fills quickly. More information and registration details can be found at https://kempajournalism.org/summer-journalism-workshop/
______________________________________________________
2026 KEMPA Individual Contest
The Kettle Moraine Press Association Individual Contest is now open for submissions! This annual competition gives student journalists the chance to showcase their best work across categories like News (Print & Online), Yearbook, Broadcast and Photography.
Open to KEMPA member schools, the contest allows unlimited entries, all submitted online and judged by out-of-state journalism professionals. Winners will be recognized at the KEMPA Fall Scholastic Journalism Conference and featured online as examples of outstanding student work.
Submissions are due by June 12, 2026, and each entry costs $5.
Apply and learn more: https://kempajournalism.org/8917/awards-contests-and-critiques/contests/2026-individual-contest-is-open/
______________________________________________________
Youth Press Corps Summer Camp
The Greater Madison Writing Project Youth Press Corps Summer Camp, hosted in partnership with The Capital Times, is a weeklong program focused on real-world reporting. Students in grades 7–12 work with professional journalists to cover topics that matter, building skills in interviewing, ethical storytelling and media literacy while producing meaningful stories. More information and registration details can be found at https://gmwp.wisc.edu/youth-press-corps/
JCamp
JCamp, hosted by the Asian American Journalists Association, is a highly competitive, all-expenses-paid, six-day summer program. The program brings together high school students from across the country for hands-on training in reporting, writing, broadcasting and multimedia storytelling, guided by professional journalists and media leaders.
JCamp is open to all high school juniors and seniors—students do not need to be Asian American to apply. The program focuses on leadership, diversity, and ethical journalism while giving participants real newsroom experience and the opportunity to produce collaborative multimedia projects in a fast-paced, supportive environment. Applications are closed for 2026 but keep a look out for 2027! Learn more at https://www.aaja.org/programs-and-initiatives/jcamp/
______________________________________________________
ThreeSixty Journalism Summer Program
ThreeSixty Journalism Summer Program, based at the University of St. Thomas, offers a variety of camp options focused on storytelling across platforms, including audio, broadcast and writing. Students develop their voice, gain confidence and connect with mentors while exploring how to tell impactful stories about their communities. Learn more at https://threesixty.stthomas.edu/join-360/summer-programs/
______________________________________________________
DePaul University High School J-Day
The DePaul University Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence High School J-Day is a one-day event designed to inspire and educate student journalists through hands-on workshops and sessions led by media professionals and college faculty. Hosted on DePaul University’s campus in Chicago, the program introduces students to topics like reporting, multimedia storytelling, ethics and the evolving media landscape. Attendees have the chance to sharpen their skills, explore journalism careers and connect with peers from across the region. More information can be found at https://communication.depaul.edu/academics/initiatives/center-for-journalism-integrity-and-excellence/lectures/high-school-j-day
______________________________________________________