America's hidden histories

The story of America is always evolving. How we talk about the country’s past plays a big role in shaping its present and future.

As student journalists, you have a unique opportunity to uncover and share stories of American history that are often overlooked in traditional narratives. These stories could be about the contributions of marginalized communities, lesser-known local heroes, or pivotal events that have shaped the nation in unexpected ways.

Think about people or events in your community that may have been left out of the history books but could help others understand a fuller picture of America.

Talk to older generations, ask a librarian to help you dig into old records, check out local museums and historical societies, and conduct interviews with people from your family and community.

Explore diverse perspectives and think about the new ways people are shining a light on old stories– and why they still matter today.

For inspiration, check out this 2023 story about an art exhibition on the national mall, made by high school student journalists in Washington D.C.

This year, instead of submitting fully produced stories, SRL invites students to pitch their story ideas first. Pitches will also be accepted on a rolling basis August 1, 2024 through February 1, 2025.

PRO TIPS BEFORE BEFORE PITCHING YOUR STORY:

• RESEARCH: Spend time doing research, talk to people you’d like to interview, and shape your story idea.
• WATCH: this short video about pitching
• REVIEW: this pitch example before submitting your idea.

SUBMIT YOUR PITCH:

• Submit your pitch using this form.

SUCCESSFUL PITCHES WILL:

• Show clear evidence of research
• Tell a compelling story
• List specific people you intend to interview

If your pitch is selected, you will work with an SRL Youth Media Producer to further develop your story for publication. A team member will contact you within three weeks of your submission.

• Profile (2-4 min. long): A profile is the story of one person. It has voiceover (VO), b-roll, pictures, nats (natural sound), it may also include interviews of family members or peers of that one person. Watch this example of a profile about an immigrant studying to become an attorney. Here’s an example of a profile of a musician who works to spread hope, inspiration, and empowerment.
• Explainer (2-4 min. long): A video explaining a concept. Often it includes a host/narrator speaking directly to the camera. The tone could be serious, funny, or informative. Watch this student-produced example of an explainer about how music affects your mood. Here’s another example of an explainer about AI and college admissions.
• News package (3-5 min. long): Video stories about newsworthy issues and topics. A news package has factual information, balanced reporting, research, voice overs, multiple interviews with people sharing different perspectives, soundbites, b-roll footage. It may also include things like infographics, a reporter standup, nats (natural sound from filming b-roll). Watch this example of a news package about a new law in Hawaii requiring schools to provide free menstrual products. Here’s another example of a news package about a program to help provide incarcerated people with access to higher education.
• NAT package (2-4 min. long): A video story guided by the natural sound from interviews and the environment where you’re filming. Natural sound, commonly known as “NAT sound,” puts the viewer in the place the story was told by enhancing the scene(s) with video containing rich audio such as a musician singing at a train station, a storm approaching, or the sound of a tractor plowing the field. This kind of story would often not have a voiceover narration. Here’s an example of a nat package about two Italian immigrants who own a pizza shop.
• Social Media (60 - 90 sec. long): Short video that tells a cohesive story with interview bites, b-roll footage, graphics and/or voice-over, cut vertically for social media. Watch this example of a social media video about two teens in Maryland who started a composting organization. Here’s another social media video about a teen from Ohio who eats bugs.

National Mall’s public art exhibit explores American resilience and untold stories

Latinx theater company aims to reclaim heritage through cabaret-style show

Social Media Examples:

NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson

Trans rights activist Marsha P. Johnson

Celebrating Native American culture in Wisconsin

Spend time doing research, talking to people you’d like to interview, and shaping your story idea. Watch this short video about pitching and review this pitch example before submitting your idea.

Successful pitches show clear evidence of research, tell a compelling story, and list the names of specific people. Submit your pitch using this form on or before Friday, November 14, 2024.