Scholastic Journalism Week Student Poster Contest

SJW poster contest

Entries accepted Aug. 11 to Sept. 15

The Journalism Education Association seeks to feature one winning student design on a commemorative poster promoting Scholastic Journalism Week. SJW aims to elevate the profile of scholastic journalism through celebration, information and activism.

Theme for Scholastic Journalism Week 2026: Press Under Pressure

About the theme: In an era of contested truth and rampant misinformation, “Press Under Pressure” highlights the vital role of student journalists as they navigate free expression, institutional oversight and ethical reporting. Despite facing censorship, scrutiny and limited resources, young reporters demonstrate resilience and a deep commitment to truth and civic responsibility. More than a theme, it’s a call to support and protect their right to report fearlessly, as their work strengthens our democracy. SJW 2026 will take place Feb. 23-27.

UPLOAD CONTEST ENTRY

(Entry form will open 12:01 a.m. CDT on Aug. 11)

About the contest

The winner of the Scholastic Journalism Week Student Poster Contest will have their original design featured on the official SJW commemorative poster. To enter the contest, students should submit an original 17×22 inch poster design inspired by the SJW 2026 theme, Press Under Pressure.

Each poster design must include the following text:

  • Press Under Pressure
  • Scholastic Journalism Week
  • Feb. 23-27, 2026

Cost is $5 per entry.

Contest dates and deadline

Entries will be accepted starting Aug. 11, 2025. The entry form will open that day at 12:01 a.m. CDT.

Submission deadline is Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.

UPLOAD CONTEST ENTRY

Who is eligible?

All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States.

Team entries are allowed. Students must submit original work.

Format?

Poster size is 17×22 inches. Entries may incorporate hand-drawn or digital art, photography, typography or other graphic elements. Minimal use of stock art is allowed. Work must be entirely original and not designed, in whole or in part, using artificial intelligence.

Students will upload a standard-resolution PDF image for the contest judging. The winning entry will then need to provide high-resolution, print-ready files and may be asked to make minor adjustments to the final design to meet JEA’s brand standards and poster printing requirements.

Submission requirements

Entries should be submitted via the online Submittable form as a standard-resolution PDF.

Each submission to the Scholastic Journalism Week Poster Contest must be accompanied by a $5 entry fee.

Award recognition

Grand Prize: $500 plus design showcased on Scholastic Journalism Week webpage, Scholastic Journalism Week poster and additional promotions.

The Scholastic Journalism Week committee will select top entries for community judging in late September. The top three finalists will be notified via email. The winner will be announced in early October. The commemorative poster will be distributed in November.

SJW sponsorship

We are also looking for Scholastic Journalism Week sponsors. Sponsorship benefits include an 8.5×3 brand ad on the back of the poster and digital promotions. Contact staff@jea.org to learn more.

Official rules

Section I – General rules

  1. Students must enter through JEA headquarters.
  2. Students must create a fully original design. AI artwork is not accepted.
  3. The Journalism Education Association has the right to edit, publish or otherwise duplicate any design entered into the contest without payment to the designer.
  4. Due to the volume of entries received, only the national winner will be contacted with the results.
  5. The entry fee for this contest is $5 per design.

Section II – Qualifications for students

  1. The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools within the United States.
  2. Solo or team entries are allowed. If a team entry wins the contest, the award money will be split evenly between each person.
  3. Students may submit more than one design. The $5 fee is per entry.

Section III – Contest rules

  1. The poster design must illustrate the 2026 theme: Press Under Pressure.
  2. Each entry must include the Entry Form.
  3. The poster should include the following text: Press Under Pressure, Scholastic Journalism Week, Feb. 23-27, 2026.
  4. The artist’s signature may be included in the design.
  5. Any stock art or copyrighted material used in the design must be identified in the Entry Form. Failure to identify non-original material will result in disqualification. AI artwork is not accepted.

Questions? Email us at staff@jea.org.

Examples of past winners

2025 SJW Poster Contest winner: Maryann Bautista, Omaha (Nebraska) Bryan High School

2024 SJW Poster Contest winner: Meh’Quira Malone, Sparkman High School, Harvest, Alabama

UPLOAD CONTEST ENTRY

(Entry form will open 12:01 a.m. CDT on Aug. 11)