Scholastic Journalism Week

Power of the Press

#SJW2025 #PowerofthePress

The Journalism Education Association has scheduled Scholastic Journalism Week for Feb. 24-28, 2025. 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, X or Instagram.

Submit here to be featured on JEA social media during Scholastic Journalism Week. Staff will email a certificate to featured schools' administrators to acknowledge and celebrate the great work you are doing.

Scholastic Journalism Week 2025 daily themes

Scholastic Journalism Week lesson plans

Celebrate each day of Scholastic Journalism Week with curated lesson plans designed by JEA curriculum experts. These free lesson plans pair perfectly with the #SJW2025 daily themes.

Commemorative poster

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

A commemorative poster featuring this student design was mailed to all JEA members in November 2024 to promote Scholastic Journalism Week. We encourage you to display the poster in your classroom leading up to the big week.

Click here to download a digital version of the poster.

Submit 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. Submit now to have your school featured on JEA's social media accounts. We want to feature as many schools as possible before and during #SJW2025.

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.

More ideas to celebrate SJW at your school