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Lesson | 2-6 Weeks

2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR PROMPTS


OVERVIEW

25-26 Prompts

Students have many opportunities to report stories with SRL this school year—from fun, vertical social media videos and audio features for season six of SRL’s podcast On Our Minds, to in-depth, horizontal video packages exploring timely topics like U.S. immigration policies, the impact of artificial intelligence, the role of artists in building community, and stories of teens as caretakers. Some selected student work may be published on national, regional, and local news outlets and social media, including the PBS News Hour’s broadcast and digital platforms.

SRL SHORTS (vertical video)

SRL Shorts are brief, creative videos made by student journalists that focus on personal stories, opinions, or creative takes on a topic, usually in one to two minutes, for publication on SRL social media. They’re often fun, personal, or reflective. Learn more and submit here. This year’s topics:

  • Back to school
  • Celebrating Hispanic heritage
  • Local elections
  • Holidays
  • New Year
  • Black History Month
  • Different types of love
  • Women’s History Month
  • Earth Month
  • AAPI Heritage Month
  • Life after high school

PODCAST/AUDIO PRODUCTION

Contribute to season six of Student Reporting Labs’ award-winning teen life podcast, On Our Minds. Season six is an audio road trip about what makes teen life unique across the country, featuring student-produced stories about their own cities, towns and neighborhoods.

Note: these are paid opportunities.

VIDEO PRODUCTION

For video stories to be considered for publication with SRL, students must pitch a story idea, and if accepted, collaborate through a process of receiving feedback from SRL staff and making multiple edits and revisions. This process may take weeks/months. Pitch your idea to Student Reporting Labs from August 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 to be considered for publication. Or, use these prompts as inspiration to report and publish stories on your school’s platforms.

U.S. Immigration policies and their impacts - Explore how President Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown is testing constitutional limits and reshaping communities, civil rights, and student safety across the U.S.

The real impact of artificial intelligence - What do you use AI for, and how do you feel about it?

Artists who draw people together - Tell a story about a creative person collaborating with their community.

Teen caregivers: when young people take on big responsibilities - Share untold stories about how teens take care of others.

Climate change in my community - Seeking: local stories about climate change and the environment.

Topic reporting resources here.

NOTE: The SRL team evaluates pieces based on this criteria. Please be sure your stories incorporate these requirements.

RAPID RESPONSE

Quick-turn videos on breaking news or cultural moments. No pitch required, just fast, thoughtful storytelling. Look for announcements throughout the school year via our newsletter and social media.

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Estimated Time

2-6 Weeks