Call for entries: The Canadian Student Journalism Awards
J-Schools Canada/Écoles-J Canada is excited to launch a new national awards program that brings together educators, industry leaders, and students to recognize excellence in postsecondary reporting, collaboration, and community impact. In an effort to promote accessibility and inclusion, these awards will be free to enter by any student of a Canadian college or university in any year of study (including masters students) and regardless of whether their institution is a current member of our network. We will also be accepting application packages in both English and French. This year’s inaugural Canadian Student Journalism Awards awards will cover student work produced between May 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, in four categories:
Student Journalist of the Year
The Student Journalist of the Year Award honours a postsecondary student who excels in storytelling across various media formats, making meaningful contributions to campus journalism and elevating important conversations within their community. Students can submit a portfolio of five selected pieces published in campus media and/or publicly accessible course projects and/or reputable news outlets within the past year. Portfolio pieces may include articles, multimedia projects, podcast episodes, or other video/audio work on various platforms. While group contributions will be permitted, at least three of the pieces must be a solo byline.
Submission requirements: Portfolio of at least five published pieces – at least three must be a solo byline, and a support letter from a member of faculty (500 words max).
Student Group Project of the Year Award
The Student Group Project of the Year Award honours a team of postsecondary students who collaboratively contributed to the coverage of a major event or issue, demonstrating comprehensive reporting and exceptional presentation. The project can include coverage across multiple platforms, including (but not limited to): written articles, multimedia, podcasts, and social media stories.
Submission requirements: A document with links to published project or project samples, and a support letter from a member of faculty (500 words max).
Community-Driven Student Journalism Project of the Year Award
The Community-Driven Student Journalism Project of the Year Award honours postsecondary students who have created impactful journalism through collaborations that prioritize community engagement. This could include collaborations with professional news outlets, community members, non-governmental organizations, charities, or other community organizations. Projects must demonstrate comprehensive reporting and can include multiple platforms, such as written articles, multimedia, podcasts, or social media.
Submission requirements: A document with links to published project or project samples, documentation of public impact (letters, feedback, media coverage – up to seven pages of material) and a support letter from a member of faculty (500 words max).
Emerging BIPOC Student Journalism Leaders Award
The Emerging BIPOC Student Journalism Leaders Award recognizes a postsecondary student who identifies as Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of colour and exemplifies leadership and excellence in fostering inclusive journalism. Open to student reporters, editors, or student community leaders, this award celebrates BIPOC individuals who make a significant impact in helping their peers understand marginalized perspectives as they relate to student journalism. The recipient will be a student journalism leader who encourages diversity, challenges systemic biases, and elevates underrepresented voices within campus media.
Submission requirements: Personal essay from the applicant demonstrating efforts and impacts (500 word max) with links to relevant work where appropriate, a letter of support from a member of faculty (500 word max), and a support letter from a fellow classmate/colleague (500 word max).
Judging Process
A panel of academics and industry professionals will judge the submissions, with winners announced at a virtual ceremony in September 2025 (date TBA). Winners will receive a digital certificate, see their work profiled on the J-Source.ca website and have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals at a special virtual networking event.
Important additional information:
- The deadline to submit your application will be June 30, 2025
- Submission documents should be WordDocs or PDFs
- Students may be considered for multiple awards as both individuals and a member of a group; students applying for both individual awards are required to prepare and submit separate application packages, including letters of support specific to the category
- Only work produced between May 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025 will be considered
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Please fill out and submit a PDF or WordDoc copy of this entry form via email to contactjschoolscanada@gmail.com. Any questions can be directed to contactjschoolscanada@gmail.com.