California Journalist of the Year Application 2026

California Journalist of the Year Application 2026
Directions: All application materials listed below must be completed and submitted no later than February 16 at 9:00 p.m. PST

ONLY ONE APPLICATION PER SCHOOL WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Information on contest requirements as well as portfolio preparation guidance can be found at
https://jea.org/awards/journalist-of-the-year-scholarships/

Completed applications include:

- Completed application form
- Online Portfolio (see JEA link above for portfolio requirements)
- Action photo of applicant
- 3 letters of recommendation
- 2 page self-analytical essay
- Transcript
- Resume
Requirements for State Contest Entry

You must answer YES to all the questions below to proceed with your application. DO NOT proceed if you can't answer YES to every question as your entry will be disqualified.
Applicant's adviser is a member of Journalism Education Association and his/her membership is current. Don't assume. Confirm current membership with your adviser*

YesNo
Applicant is currently a senior*

YesNo
Applicant has at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.*

YesNo
Applicant is the official JOY candidate selected by their respective school. (Only 1 applicant allowed per school).*

YesNo
I understand that all applications must be submitted by 9:00 PST on February 1, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.*

YesNo
I understand that if the applicant is the state winner for California that his/her portfolio must be submitted by the applicant/adviser to the National competition by March 15, 2025.*

YesNo
Name of person submitting form First Name Last Name
Email address Email*
I am the *
Student Information
Student name

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Parent/guardian name(s)
First Name* Last Name*
School Information
School Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Adviser Name First Name* Last Name*
Adviser Phone*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Adviser Email*
example@example.com
Application Items
Applicant Action Photo: upload an action photo of the applicant involved in some aspect of student media.*

Cancelof
Applicant Action Photo Caption: provide an extended caption for the action photo. If there is more than one dominant subject in the photo, please include the location of the candidate (left, right, etc.)*
Essay: upload the applicant’s self-analytical essay. Essay should not exceed two pages.*

Cancelof
Letter of Recommendation 1: upload your first letter recommendation which speaks to the applicant’s experiences in journalism and the impact of journalism on his/her life.*

Cancelof
Letter of Recommendation 2: upload your first letter recommendation which speaks to the applicant’s experiences in journalism and the impact of journalism on his/her life.*

Cancelof
Letter of Recommendation 3: upload your first letter recommendation which speaks to the applicant’s experiences in journalism and the impact of journalism on his/her life.*

Cancelof
Transcript: upload a copy of the most current transcript.*

Cancelof
Resume: upload the applicant’s current resume.*

Cancelof
Verification: by typing your name below, you verify that all work submitted is the original work of the applicant and is accurate and truthful.*

First NameLast Name
Should be Empty:

California Journalist of the Year Application 2026

Student Information

School Information

Application Items