Training the next generation of Columbus journalists

Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read

The future of American journalism depends on truthtellers willing to do democracy's work on behalf of Americans.

It also depends on people willing to give of themselves to support the generation that will follow.

It was in that spirit that Columbus Journalists in Training was launched in January.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the student's projects!

Encouraging the next generation of journalists, voters and truth seekers was the focus of the hands-on camp for Columbus City Schools students sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch, Society of Professional Journalists Central Ohio Pro Chapter and the school district.

"The excitement students showed, based on our investment of time, was priceless, " Dispatch Executive Editor Edwina Blackwell Clark said.

More than 30 student journalists

Columbus' journalism community rallied around the concept of growing future colleagues.

During the six-section intensively interactive course held at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, more than 30 student journalists worked with professional mentors from the Dispatch, NBC4, WOSU Public Media; iHeart Media; Ohio State University; Lee Enterprises; Spectrum News 1, Denison University, The Ohio Newsroom, Ohio University, USA TODAY Network and other media outlets and higher learning institutions.

Feb 18, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Participants in the Columbus Dispatch Journalists in Training seminars outside the Fort Hayes Career Center. The event is sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Columbus Dispatch. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth-The Columbus Dispatch
Feb 18, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Participants in the Columbus Dispatch Journalists in Training seminars outside the Fort Hayes Career Center. The event is sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Columbus Dispatch. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth-The Columbus Dispatch

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“We wanted to offer students in Columbus an opportunity to express themselves, learn about their First Amendment rights, and be exposed to a rewarding potential career opportunity," former SPJ Central Ohio Pro Chapter President Hayleigh Colombo said. "Our goal at SPJ Central Ohio is to do what we can to support the future of our vitally important profession.”

Students were selected for the program based on their interest in journalism, English, creative writing, podcasting, broadcasting and/or similar topics.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Napoleon Bell plays the role of a deputy giving crime-scene information as students from various Columbus City Schools participate in the Columbus Journalists in Training seminar on Sat. Jan. 28, 2023 at Fort Hayes Career Center. The program is sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch and Central Ohio Society of Professional Journalists Chapter.

They dove deep into journalism principles while practicing their craft through interview, thinking, editing, recording and writing activities.

"It is inspiring to see so many talented young journalists," said Amelia Robinson, The Columbus Dispatch’s opinion and community engagement editor.

The opinion essays, news articles, podcasts and videos linked by group on this page were completed by students in the program.

Students were placed into teams and collectively selected a name for their respective group, as well as a topic for their final projects. Each team was also assigned a color to help keep things organized. Below are links to each teams' projects and are listed by the students' name.

Final projects listed by team

W Hayes

➤ Angel Pinto: Student-led program aims to resolve conflicts in school

➤ Tiffany McVay: The future and past history of Woodcliff in Whitehall

Keeping It Real

➤ Citlali Leon: Could FedNow be the end of Cash App and Zelle?

Cap City Creative

➤ Derrick Thomas: Photos show need for mental health resources in schools

➤ Myles Thompson: Students are struggling with mental health issues

➤ Timothy Walsh: Any Girl Can encouraging Columbus girls to do

Music Talks

➤ Jared Golden: Students in music programs graduate with abundance of options

➤ Clementine Easton: Clintonville's 'Dad Band' makes impact in community

➤ Princess Conley: Music helps teacher connect with students who have disabilities

Flash News

➤ Nadirah Scriven: Franklin Co. Sheriff's DEI director on youth gun violence

➤ Sheyonni Stokes: Student, school security specialist explain how to deter teen violence

EOAB TV

➤ Alana Bondurant: Columbus Alternative High School should offer competitive sports

➤ Eliana Brownell: The war in Ukraine and one student's fight to raise awareness

➤ Brielle Coleman: Eastmoor Academy tennis team struggles with underfunding

➤ O'laun Bonds: Traci Lukemire finding success by the dozen

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Dispatch partners with SPJ Central Ohio, Columbus City Schools for student-journalism