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Grant Proposal: Student-led Sports Journalism Initiative

 

​1. Proposal Summary (Abstract)

A mentorship-driven program designed to connect college journalism students with high school students to collaboratively produce a digital and print sports magazine. This initiative will provide a hands-on experience in sports reporting, photography, editing, and publishing while fostering mentorship and professional development. The program aims to enhance students' media literacy, storytelling skills, and career readiness through real-world journalism experience. 

2. Statement of Need

Many high school students have an interest in journalism but lack the resources and mentorship needed to develop their skills. Simultaneously, college journalism students seek practical experiences that bridge their academic learning with industry demands. This initiative addresses both needs by creating a sustainable, educational, and experiential learning environment where students can refine their journalist talents in a real-world setting.

3. Project Details

    Goals

  • Enhance Journalism Education: Provide structured mentorship and hands-on training for high school students in sports journalism.

  • Develop a Collaborative Magazine: Produce a high-quality digital and physical sports magazine featuring local high school and college sports coverage.

  • Promote Media Literacy: Teach ethical journalism, storytelling techniques, and digital media production skills.

  • Expand Career Pathways: Prepare students for careers in media, communications, and journalism through experiential learning.

  • Encourage Community Engagement: Strengthen connections between educational institutions and local sports communities.

    Mentorship Structure

  • College journalism students will be paired with high school students for one-on-one and group mentorship.

  • Mentorship sessions will cover key aspects of journalism, including reporting, interviewing, photography, and editing.

  • Guest speakers and industry professionals will be invited to share insights and best practices.

    Magazine Production

  • Students will collaborate to write articles, conduct interviews, and capture photographs.

  • A digital version of the magazine will be published quarterly, with an annual print edition showcasing the best work.

  • The magazine will highlight local high school and college sports teams, athlete profiles, and game analyses.

    Workshops & Training

  • Regular workshops will be conducted on journalism ethics, multimedia production, and publishing. 

  • Students will have access to professional software and tools for layout and design.

4. Expected Outcomes

  • High school students will gain valuable writing, communication, and media skills.

  • College students will build leadership and mentorship experience.

  • A professionally produced sports magazine will serve as a portfolio piece for students' future endeavors.

  • Strengthened partnerships between schools, universities, and local media outlets.

5. Budget

Budget Estimate:

​Printing Costs: ~$5,000

Digital Hosting: ~$1,500

Equipment (Cameras, Software): ~$7,500

Workshop Supplies: ~$2,000

Stipends for Mentors: ~$4,000

Guest Speakers Honorariums: ~$3,000

Miscellaneous: ~$2,000

Total: $25,000

6. Future Plan

​To ensure that this program continues for future students, we will take several steps to secure long-term funding and support

  • We will reach out to local businesses for sponsorships

  • We will work with local media outlets to secure guest speakers for the workshops

  • We will work with local printing companies to secure discounts and possible help for printing costs

  • We will host local fundraisers to help provide for any equipment upkeep

By taking these steps, we aim to make this program sustainable.

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