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.
Along with the overall theme, JEA has also selected daily themes for each day of Scholastic Journalism Week:
Monday, Feb. 24: First Amendment
Tuesday, Feb. 25: Leaders in journalism
Wednesday, Feb. 26: Press rights in action
Thursday, Feb. 27: Student Press Freedom Day
Friday, Feb. 28: Trends, ideas and technology
How to celebrate Scholastic Journalism Week:
- JEA invites schools to submit 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.
- Throughout the week, and throughout the year, 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.
- Celebrate each day of Scholastic Journalism Week with free lesson plans designed and curated by JEA curriculum experts to pair with the week’s daily themes.
- 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 officially declare the week Scholastic Journalism Week in your area.
- Purchase a limited edition #SJW2025 sticker to show off your support of scholastic journalism and press rights. Purchase a classroom set of 20 or more stickers to receive 25% off.
- Display this year’s commemorative poster featuring the design from the SJW poster design contest winner, Maryann Bautista of Omaha (Nebraska) Bryan High School. The poster was mailed to all JEA members in November 2024. A digital copy is also available to download.
- Visit the Scholastic Journalism Week event page for many more ideas.
However you choose to celebrate, JEA encourages all scholastic media programs to do something, big or small, to build awareness of Scholastic Journalism Week in your school and community.
Amber James, JEA events and programs manager