UPDATED Feb. 18, 2010

Apply for Portland
Outreach Academy

The JEA Outreach Academy is a Journalism Education Association
initiative to promote both diversity and membership growth. The Outreach Academy is a free, intensive pre-convention seminar for publications advisers who have five years or fewer advising experience and/or teach in schools traditionally underrepresented in JEA membership, especially low-income, urban and rural schools.

The program includes discussion of teaching journalism to highly diverse populations, effective instructional techniques, resources for teachers in and out of the classroom, and organizations ready to help advisers.

Tuition is free, with breakfast and lunch provided. The Outreach Academy runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday before the convention begins. Participation in the program includes free teacher registration to the convention, four days packed with informative and inspiring speakers, reporting, design, photography and broadcast workshops for students and teachers, student contests and awards presentations.

Additionally, JEA will pay $100 in substitute pay to each participant’s school district.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF version of the brochure and application.

CLICK HERE for online printable version of the application. Also attach a letter letter explaining your teaching/ advising situation, the challenges facing your school publication, what you’d liked to accomplish in the school year and how your students will benefit from your attendance at the academy. Mail packet to JEA Outreach Academy, Kate Moore, Franklin High School, 5405 SE Woodward St., Portland, OR 97206.

JEA Diversity Award
past recipients

2009
Don Bott, Stagg High School (Stockton, Calif)

2008
Dorothy Gilliam and the Prime Movers program of the School of Media and Public Affairs of George Washington University

2007
Blackhawk newspaper staff of Davenport (Iowa) Central High School

"Multiculturalism and diversity are not fads or catch words, nor are they politically correct terms. They are what our country is all about and has always sought to be."
Bob Greenman, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Author of The Adviser's Companion

Accomplishments of
the Multicultural Commission

• Brings together minority and nonminority high school journalism teachers, college teachers and journalism professors from across the country who have an interest in promoting diversity in scholastic and professional staffs and media.
• Furthers journalism education among minority students through a commitment to teacher and adviser education.
• Fosters minority attendance at conventions by increasing the number of registration-fee waivers for minority students who live in the convention city.
• Encourages minority advisers to attend national conventions through the JEA Outreach program.
• Develops curriculum materials that encourage awareness of diverse populations in student media and multicultural approach to coverage. A curriculum guide, Newswriting in the 1990s, has been published, and members are now working on a stylebook outlining preferred ethnic and racial references.
• Promotes cultural awareness by staffing a multicultural booth at national high school journalism convention.
• Networks with other journalism teachers and advises through out the year to encourage a multicultural approach to staff recruiting and media production.