Scholastic Journalism Week Student Poster Contest

Entries accepted Aug. 10 to Sept. 14, 2026

The Journalism Education Association seeks to feature one winning student design on a commemorative poster promoting Scholastic Journalism Week 2027. SJW aims to elevate the profile of scholastic journalism through celebration, information and activism.

SJW 2027 theme: Start Here, Change Everything

About the theme: Every great story begins somewhere. And in scholastic journalism, it begins in our classrooms, with a question, a notebook, a camera, a microphone or the courage to speak up when others stay silent. “Start Here, Change Everything” celebrates the power of student journalists to inform their communities, elevate unheard voices and document the moments that define their schools and society. In classrooms, newsrooms, yearbook labs and broadcast studios, students learn far more than reporting, writing, editing and design; they learn how to seek truth, think critically, engage respectfully and lead with integrity.

Scholastic journalism is where curiosity becomes confidence, where observation becomes action, and where young people discover that their words and images have the power to inspire dialogue, create understanding and drive meaningful change. Every interview is an opportunity to listen. Every deadline is a lesson in responsibility. Every story is a chance to leave a lasting impact. Whether covering a championship game, celebrating student achievements, spotlighting important issues or preserving memories for future generations, student journalists are shaping the historical record of their communities while preparing to shape the world beyond them. The journey starts with a single idea, a single question or a single story, but the possibilities are limitless.

Start here. And together, we can change everything.

UPLOAD CONTEST ENTRY HERE

(Entry form will open at noon CDT on Aug. 10, 2026.)

About the contest

The winner of the 2027 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 that visually illustrates the SJW 2027 theme: Start Here, Change Everything.

Each poster design must include all of the following text, both prominently and legibly:

  • Start Here, Change Everything
  • Scholastic Journalism Week
  • Feb. 22-26, 2027

Entry fee is $10 per submission. The artist’s signature may be included in the design.

Contest dates and deadline

Entries will be accepted through the Submittable portal starting Aug. 10, 2026. Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. CDT Sept. 14, 2026.

Student eligibility

All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States are eligible to enter this contest.

Students MUST submit their own original work.

Students can submit multiple entries, fee is $10 per submission. Both solo and team entries are accepted.

Entry requirements

Poster design must be 17×22 inches.

Entries may incorporate hand-drawn or digital art, photography, typography or other graphic elements. Hand-drawn/physical artwork is accepted, provided it is scanned into a high-resolution digital format for submission.

Artwork must be entirely original and not designed, in whole or in part, using generative AI. Minimal use of stock art is allowed, but MUST be identified on the entry form. Failure to identify non-original material will result in disqualification.

Submission specifications

Entries should be submitted via JEA’s official Submittable portal, with the accompanying $10 entry fee.

Students should upload a standard-resolution PDF (150 DPI) of their poster design for the judging rounds. Only the winning entry will need to provide JEA with a high-resolution, print-ready PDF file (300 DPI, CMYK.) However, please ensure all entries will be able to comply with these final requirements.

Please note that the winner may be asked to make minor adjustments to the final design to meet JEA’s brand standards and poster printing requirements.

Contest judging

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 October. The commemorative poster will be distributed in November.

Award recognition

GRAND PRIZE: $500 award + winning design showcased on the SJW commemorative poster, as well as on the SJW webpage, JEA social media and in additional promotions

Winner will receive a free print of the final commemorative poster.

SJW sponsorship

JEA is now offering a Scholastic Journalism Week sponsorship opportunity. Sponsorship benefits include an 8.5×3 inch ad on the back of the commemorative poster, which is mailed out to all JEA members, as well as inclusion of your company name and logo in SJW digital promotions. Contact JEA HQ to learn more.

Official contest rules

Section I – General rules

  1. The poster design should visually illustrate the 2027 theme: Start Here, Change Everything
  2. Students must submit an entry fee of $10 per submission.
  3. Students must create a fully original design that is the student’s own work. AI artwork is NOT accepted.
  4. Entries may incorporate hand-drawn or digital art, photography, typography or other graphic elements. Minimal use of stock art is allowed, but must be identified on the entry form.
  5. The Journalism Education Association has the right to edit, publish or otherwise duplicate any design entered into the contest without payment to the designer.
  6. Due to the volume of entries received, only the national winner will be contacted with the results.
  7. The contest winner may be asked to make minor adjustments to the final design to meet JEA’s brand standards and poster printing requirements.

Section II – Student eligibility

  1. The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools within the United States.
  2. Both solo and 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 $10 fee is per entry.
  4. The artist’s signature may be included in the design, but it is not required.

Section III – Entry format and submission

  1. Students must enter using JEA’s official Submittable entry form.
  2. Each poster design must be 17×22 inches.
  3. The poster must include all of the following text both prominently and legibly: Start Here, Change Everything; Scholastic Journalism Week; Feb. 22-26, 2027
  4. Students should upload a standard-resolution PDF (150 DPI) of their poster design for the judging rounds. The winning entry will then need to provide JEA with a high-resolution, print-ready PDF file (300 DPI, CMYK.) Please ensure all entries will be able to comply.
  5. Any stock art or copyrighted material used in the design must be identified on the entry form. Failure to identify non-original material will result in disqualification.
  6. Artwork created using generative AI, either in whole or part, will not be accepted.
  7. Hand-drawn/physical artwork is accepted, provided it is scanned into a high-resolution digital format for submission.

Questions? Email us at staff@jea.org.

Past winners

2026: Theo Slade, North Springs High School, Atlanta

2025: Maryann Bautista, Omaha (Nebraska) Bryan High School

2024: Meh’Quira Malone, Sparkman High School, Harvest, Alabama

UPLOAD CONTEST ENTRY HERE

(Entry form will open at noon CDT on Aug. 10, 2026.)