Communities are stronger when young people have the tools to tell important stories. Teenagers across America are keeping journalism alive in their communities and filling critical information gaps, from interviews with local representatives to conversations with peers who are grappling with key issues.
Hundreds of federal, state and local elections will be held in 2024; student journalism ensures youth perspectives are included in this process.
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 2024 election cycle.
This page includes how tos, 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.
Although many politicians are from older generations, young people are getting involved and making their voices heard. For this project, tell a story about a young person participating in the 2024 elections. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024
Nearly 41 million young people will be eligible to vote in the U.S. general elections. Will you be one of them? What do you care about? With the U.S. general elections this November, we explore the ways in which young Americans are politically engaged. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024
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. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024
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. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024
A number of issues are on the ballot this election, from abortion, to minimum wage, race and gender in schools. What’s at stake in your community? Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024
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. Submission Deadline: Fri. Oct. 11, 2024
Toolkit
2-4 Weeks