Scholastic Journalism Week

"Power of the Press"

#SJW2025 #PowerofthePress #NewVoices

The Journalism Education Association has scheduled Scholastic Journalism Week for Feb. 24-28, 2025. Apply to be featured on the JEA Twitter during Scholastic Journalism Week. We also will email a certificate your school administrators with props and kudos to the great work you are doing.

This year’s theme is “Power of the Press.”

In the summer of 1787, delegates in Philadelphia wrote, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” By establishing it as the First, Congress seemingly emphasized a free press, independent from the government, as a cornerstone of a functioning democracy. As trends within journalism continue to change, influenced by technology, it does not alter the Power of the Press — the open and unfettered flow of information that keeps a country’s people informed is why journalists are essential.

Throughout the week, and throughout the year, we ask that you use the hashtags #SJW2025 and #PowerofthePress when you share works of journalism from your staff, reminding your community of the importance of scholastic journalism. You can do this on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Commemorative poster

The 2025 SJW poster design contest closed June 1, 2024. The winning design is by Maryann Bautista of Omaha (Nebraska) Bryan High School.

A commemorative poster featuring this student design will be mailed to all JEA members in November 2024 to promote Scholastic Journalism Week.

Poster that reads Power of the Press Scholastic Journalism Week Feb. 24-28, 2025 and shows a cartoon illustration of a newspaper, a notebook and pen, an arm holding a microphone, and a camera all surrounded by stars.

Apply to be a SJW featured school

We want to feature schools, putting a major focus on the many ways in which scholastic newsrooms around the country are diverse. Soon you can apply to have your school featured on JEA Scholastic Journalism Week’s Twitter account. We want to focus at least one school every week going into #SJW2025, and even beyond.

Declare Scholastic Journalism Week in your hometown

Use this resolution template, created by Stan Zoller, MJE, to encourage your school board, city council, county board or even student council to declare the week Scholastic Journalism Week in your area.

Ideas celebrate the week in your school