Students Archives - CASW Connector

Training program

Propel Initiative Regional Training Series at Cal Poly SLO

The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education

"The Propel Initiative Regional Training Series at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo takes place April 24-25, 2026. Sessions will be led by accomplished reporters, editors and news leaders and will serve journalists of all backgrounds working within the state of California and in all platforms and print, digital and broadcast. The training is open to working and student journalists of all backgrounds living and working in California. This program is tuition-free and offers limited travel reimbursements for participants who may need financial assistance." The curriculum has a focus on storytelling, including:

Workshops on Beat Coverage: Business, Environment, Arts & Culture, Economy, Crime
Immigration Reporting
Harnessing AI Ethically in Reporting
Writing Techniques You Need Every Day

Deadline: April 13, 2026

Propel Initiative Regional Training Series at Cal Poly SLO

Summary:

"The Propel Initiative Regional Training Series at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo takes place April 24-25, 2026. Sessions will be led by accomplished reporters, editors and news leaders and will serve journalists of all backgrounds working within the state of California and in all platforms and print, digital and broadcast. The training is open to working and student journalists of all backgrounds living and working in California. This program is tuition-free and offers limited travel reimbursements for participants who may need financial assistance." The curriculum has a focus on storytelling, including:

Workshops on Beat Coverage: Business, Environment, Arts & Culture, Economy, Crime
Immigration Reporting
Harnessing AI Ethically in Reporting
Writing Techniques You Need Every Day

Deadline: April 13, 2026

Organization:

The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education

Category:

For:

VISIT

Fellowships & Grants

Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge

"The Solutions Journalism Network is building a cohort of student news outlets at colleges and universities for the 2026-27 academic year that will do solutions reporting on the urgent topic of youth mental health. The classes/newsrooms selected will receive $7,500 to pursue their reporting, along with deep training, cohort learning and more support." Deadline: March 20. Questions? Attend one of two online info sessions:

Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge

Summary:

"The Solutions Journalism Network is building a cohort of student news outlets at colleges and universities for the 2026-27 academic year that will do solutions reporting on the urgent topic of youth mental health. The classes/newsrooms selected will receive $7,500 to pursue their reporting, along with deep training, cohort learning and more support." Deadline: March 20. Questions? Attend one of two online info sessions:

Category:

For:

VISIT

Podcast

TMiP Podcast

"The Talking Maths in Public Podcast is a community podcast for members of the TMiP network, which collects short segments from different people working in maths communication to share their projects, ideas and thoughts, as well as discuss maths communication and education research, and provide a regular opportunity to hear from others in the community. The podcast will be produced monthly for six-month blocks, in even-numbered years (when no TMiP conference is taking place). This will allow for a more sustained exchange of ideas between events, and produce a resource for TMiP members and other maths communicators to draw on. Series 1 of the podcast began in July 2024, and episodes were released monthly until December 2024. Each episode consists of three or four segments, each covering a different aspect of maths communication."

TMiP Podcast

Summary:

"The Talking Maths in Public Podcast is a community podcast for members of the TMiP network, which collects short segments from different people working in maths communication to share their projects, ideas and thoughts, as well as discuss maths communication and education research, and provide a regular opportunity to hear from others in the community. The podcast will be produced monthly for six-month blocks, in even-numbered years (when no TMiP conference is taking place). This will allow for a more sustained exchange of ideas between events, and produce a resource for TMiP members and other maths communicators to draw on. Series 1 of the podcast began in July 2024, and episodes were released monthly until December 2024. Each episode consists of three or four segments, each covering a different aspect of maths communication."

Category:

For:

VISIT

Fellowships & Grants

The Open Newsroom Fellowship for Rhode Island Undergrads

RI-NEST (Network for Excellence in Science & Technology) and Metcalf Institute

"We're now accepting applications from undergraduates enrolled at Rhode Island colleges and universities for the second year of The Open Newsroom! This 12-week, paid summer fellowship trains students in journalism tools and techniques to explore science-related issues impacting communities in Rhode Island. Students will complete the fellowship with a portfolio of news pieces and the possibility of having their work published in local news outlets. Open to STEM and non-STEM majors who are passionate about a scientific topic or issue."

Fellowship Period: May 26-August 14, 2026
Deadline: March 26

The Open Newsroom Fellowship for Rhode Island Undergrads

Summary:

"We're now accepting applications from undergraduates enrolled at Rhode Island colleges and universities for the second year of The Open Newsroom! This 12-week, paid summer fellowship trains students in journalism tools and techniques to explore science-related issues impacting communities in Rhode Island. Students will complete the fellowship with a portfolio of news pieces and the possibility of having their work published in local news outlets. Open to STEM and non-STEM majors who are passionate about a scientific topic or issue."

Fellowship Period: May 26-August 14, 2026
Deadline: March 26

Organization:

RI-NEST (Network for Excellence in Science & Technology) and Metcalf Institute

Category:

For:

Students

VISIT

Awards

National Wildlife Photo Contest

National Wildlife® magazine’s annual photo contest supports the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation. It's open to amateur and professional photographers. Entry fee is $20 to enter up to 10 photos for a chance to win one of 18 cash prizes, including the $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: March 22, 2026.

National Wildlife Photo Contest

Summary:

National Wildlife® magazine’s annual photo contest supports the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation. It's open to amateur and professional photographers. Entry fee is $20 to enter up to 10 photos for a chance to win one of 18 cash prizes, including the $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: March 22, 2026.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Journalism program

The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science

An initiative of the Reynolds School of Journalism, the Hitchcock Project "provides training for University of Nevada, Reno students interested in science journalism and other types of science communication.” The project prepares "students, professionals, and scientists to present science in visual, creative forms. Through curriculum, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to communicate science effectively and combat misinformation while building and enhancing their skills for science storytelling."

The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science

Summary:

An initiative of the Reynolds School of Journalism, the Hitchcock Project "provides training for University of Nevada, Reno students interested in science journalism and other types of science communication.” The project prepares "students, professionals, and scientists to present science in visual, creative forms. Through curriculum, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to communicate science effectively and combat misinformation while building and enhancing their skills for science storytelling."

Category:

For:

VISIT

Article

Q&A: Ella Muncie on AI, Environmental Storytelling and the Future of Advocacy

The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science, Reynolds School of Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno

"Ella Muncie, Ph.D., is a researcher in environmental communication. She recently completed her doctoral degree at the University of Leicester, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative activism. Her paper, Artificial Intelligence and New Voices in Environmental Campaigning, analyzed Greenpeace International’s 'Alternative Futures' initiative, one of the first environmental campaigns to use AI-generated imagery (read more in our Research Review of Muncie’s paper). In this conversation, Muncie discusses the promises and pitfalls of using AI for environmental storytelling and what responsible advocacy might look like in the years ahead."

Q&A: Ella Muncie on AI, Environmental Storytelling and the Future of Advocacy

Summary:

"Ella Muncie, Ph.D., is a researcher in environmental communication. She recently completed her doctoral degree at the University of Leicester, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative activism. Her paper, Artificial Intelligence and New Voices in Environmental Campaigning, analyzed Greenpeace International’s 'Alternative Futures' initiative, one of the first environmental campaigns to use AI-generated imagery (read more in our Research Review of Muncie’s paper). In this conversation, Muncie discusses the promises and pitfalls of using AI for environmental storytelling and what responsible advocacy might look like in the years ahead."

Organization:

The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science, Reynolds School of Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno

Date:

December 15, 2025

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026), CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

Summary:

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026), CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

ABSW Young Science Writer Award

Association of British Science Writers

"The Young Science Writer Award (YSWA) celebrates the creativity and passion of young writers who explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Open to students aged 14-16 from state-funded, non-selective schools across the UK (or those home-schooled due to disability), this prestigious competition encourages participants to write engaging, informative and investigative essays on scientific topics that matter. Whether tackling climate change, AI, healthcare, or exploring the future of space exploration, the YSWA aims to foster critical thinking, storytelling, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world. Join us in this exciting journey of scientific discovery and communication. We are awarding £2,500 in cash prizes, alongside a significantly expanded prize package." 2026 competition window: Jan. 7-March 19.

ABSW Young Science Writer Award

Summary:

"The Young Science Writer Award (YSWA) celebrates the creativity and passion of young writers who explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Open to students aged 14-16 from state-funded, non-selective schools across the UK (or those home-schooled due to disability), this prestigious competition encourages participants to write engaging, informative and investigative essays on scientific topics that matter. Whether tackling climate change, AI, healthcare, or exploring the future of space exploration, the YSWA aims to foster critical thinking, storytelling, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world. Join us in this exciting journey of scientific discovery and communication. We are awarding £2,500 in cash prizes, alongside a significantly expanded prize package." 2026 competition window: Jan. 7-March 19.

Organization:

Association of British Science Writers

Category:

Awards

For:

Students

VISIT

Awards

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026 extended to March 8. A discount is available to women photographers during February, through to the extended deadline, with the code WILDWOMEN30.

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

Summary:

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026 extended to March 8. A discount is available to women photographers during February, through to the extended deadline, with the code WILDWOMEN30.

Category:

For:

VISIT

Conference

Health Journalism (AHCJ Annual Conference)

Association of Health Care Journalists

"Join us as professional journalists from around the world gather to network, share ideas and participate in the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism." The 2026 conference takes place May 27-30 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Health Journalism (AHCJ Annual Conference)

Summary:

"Join us as professional journalists from around the world gather to network, share ideas and participate in the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism." The 2026 conference takes place May 27-30 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Organization:

Association of Health Care Journalists

Dates:

Category:

For:

VISIT

Video

From Psychedelics to Wildlife Crime: Reporting at the Frontiers of Science and Society

"The University of Florida’s Science Journalist in Residence Program (SJR) brings leading science writers to the UF campus in Gainesville, Florida, to interact with faculty and students. This semester's SJR is Rachel Nuwer, an award-winning freelance science journalist and author based in New York."

Book

Science Communication for Scientists

"Science, healthcare, and technology only make an impact if they are understood and trusted. That’s why effective communication is mission-critical. Science Communication for Scientists offers practical strategies grounded in research—and shares insights from the Alda Center’s Alda Method®, which has trained thousands of scientists to connect with audiences. This resource empowers scientists at every stage of their careers to share their work in ways that inspire trust, understanding, and impact."

Awards

Planet Forward Storyfest Awards

"There is no story more gripping than that of our changing planet — and the solutions to sustain it. While problems ranging from climate justice to conservation, from rising sea levels to increasing heat waves, from the continuing pandemic to our plastic addiction, we’re looking for the stories surrounding the people, ideas, and innovations moving the world toward a greener future. The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards highlight the voices of students, seeking to understand and illuminate innovations for how to best care for the earth. We are looking for stories that inspire, motivate, and drive change. Stories that are compelling, thought-provoking, and vibrantly stimulating. Be memorable, have an impact — and have fun." Deadline: Feb. 9, 2026 extended to Feb. 23.

Fellowships & Grants

C&EN’s Editorial Fellowship Program

Chemical & Engineering News

"C&EN covers what's new in the world of chemistry, including stories about drug development, new materials for electronics, solutions to mitigate climate change, and much more. Each year we invite a paid editorial fellow to work alongside C&EN's seasoned reporters, developing bylined news and feature stories for C&EN’s website, weekly print magazine, and podcast. Past fellows have contributed magazine features, breaking news, podcast episodes, and videos. C&EN's Editorial Fellowship Program provides a launch pad for the next generation of science journalists." The six-month fellowship begins in June. Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025. Applications re-open in early 2026.

C&EN’s Editorial Fellowship Program

Summary:

"C&EN covers what's new in the world of chemistry, including stories about drug development, new materials for electronics, solutions to mitigate climate change, and much more. Each year we invite a paid editorial fellow to work alongside C&EN's seasoned reporters, developing bylined news and feature stories for C&EN’s website, weekly print magazine, and podcast. Past fellows have contributed magazine features, breaking news, podcast episodes, and videos. C&EN's Editorial Fellowship Program provides a launch pad for the next generation of science journalists." The six-month fellowship begins in June. Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025. Applications re-open in early 2026.

Organization:

Chemical & Engineering News

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards

"Annually, the Society of Professional Journalists presents the Mark of Excellence Awards, honoring the best in student journalism. Categories are first judged on the regional level. First-place regional winners advance to the national competition, and most are recognized at their respective regional SPJ conference. National winners will be showcased on spj.org. The Corbin Gwaltney Award for Best Student Newspaper carries a $5,000 prize each of the large- and small-division winners, courtesy of the Chronicle of Higher Education." 2026 deadlines: Jan. 6 (earlybird); Feb. 11 (final).

Article

Science Journalism’s Overlooked Role in Educating the Public

"Journalists and scientists gathered at the Science Journalism in a Post-Truth World in the Damen Den Oct. 14 to discuss how the decline in science coverage has deepened the public’s mistrust and misunderstanding of science. Science journalism once held a prominent place in media. Since then, science journalism has largely disappeared from mainstream media — and experts say the consequences are serious."

Awards

New Media Writing Prize

The Media School at Bournemouth University in the UK awards cash prizes in multiple categories for "good storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) written specifically for delivery and reading/viewing on a PC or Mac, the web, or a hand-held device such as an iPad or mobile phone. It could be a short story, novel, poem, narrative game, documentary, or transmedia work using words, images, film or animation with audience interaction. Interactivity is a key element of new-media storytelling." Open to all ages, anywhere in the world. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026.

New Media Writing Prize

Summary:

The Media School at Bournemouth University in the UK awards cash prizes in multiple categories for "good storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) written specifically for delivery and reading/viewing on a PC or Mac, the web, or a hand-held device such as an iPad or mobile phone. It could be a short story, novel, poem, narrative game, documentary, or transmedia work using words, images, film or animation with audience interaction. Interactivity is a key element of new-media storytelling." Open to all ages, anywhere in the world. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026.

Category:

Awards

For:

VISIT

Awards

Sony World Photography Awards

“With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.” Prizes include cash, equipment and more. There are four competitions with many categories, including but not limited to Environment, Landscape, Wildlife & Nature, Lifestyle.

Professional (Jan. 1, 2026 deadline)
Open (Jan. 6, 2026 deadline)
Student (Nov. 28, 2025 deadline)
Youth (Jan. 6, 2026 deadline)

Sony World Photography Awards

Summary:

“With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.” Prizes include cash, equipment and more. There are four competitions with many categories, including but not limited to Environment, Landscape, Wildlife & Nature, Lifestyle.

Professional (Jan. 1, 2026 deadline)
Open (Jan. 6, 2026 deadline)
Student (Nov. 28, 2025 deadline)
Youth (Jan. 6, 2026 deadline)

Category:

Awards

For:

VISIT

Article

Writing Science Explainers for Local Audiences

"Every local decision—from where to swim after heavy rainfall to whether masks should be required in schools—hinges on scientific questions most people struggle to answer. Science explainers give community members the clarity they need to make informed choices about issues that directly affect their lives. ... You don’t need a science background to create effective explainers. The process itself strengthens your science-writing by breaking down intimidating topics into digestible pieces."

Video

CCNow Academy: Tropical Cyclones

Covering Climate Now and Climate Central

"In light of hurricane Melissa, Covering Climate Now has made its exclusive CCNow Academy training session public so that journalists may better explain climate change's influence on the historic storm. In this session, experts from Covering Climate Now and Climate Central highlight how warm oceans fuel stronger, more destructive tropical cyclones in every ocean across the world."

CCNow Academy: Tropical Cyclones

Summary:

"In light of hurricane Melissa, Covering Climate Now has made its exclusive CCNow Academy training session public so that journalists may better explain climate change's influence on the historic storm. In this session, experts from Covering Climate Now and Climate Central highlight how warm oceans fuel stronger, more destructive tropical cyclones in every ocean across the world."

Organization:

Covering Climate Now and Climate Central

Date:

October 28, 2025

Category:

For:

VISIT

Awards

Waterman Fund Essay Contest for Emerging Writers

"Since 2008, Appalachia, the mountaineering and conservation journal published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Waterman Fund have joined to sponsor an annual essay contest for emerging writers. Writers who have not published a major work of fiction or narrative nonfiction on topics of wilderness, wildness, or the ethics and ecology of environmental issues are eligible. The Waterman Fund provides generous prize money of $3,000 for the first-place essay selection and $1,000 for a runner-up. For 2026, we invite essays that address any or all topics related to: our relationship to the natural living world, land and place, preservation/conservation, alpine ecosystems, wild(er)ness and the deep woods. We welcome personal, scientific, adventure, or memoir essays." Deadline: March 15, 2026.

Waterman Fund Essay Contest for Emerging Writers

Summary:

"Since 2008, Appalachia, the mountaineering and conservation journal published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Waterman Fund have joined to sponsor an annual essay contest for emerging writers. Writers who have not published a major work of fiction or narrative nonfiction on topics of wilderness, wildness, or the ethics and ecology of environmental issues are eligible. The Waterman Fund provides generous prize money of $3,000 for the first-place essay selection and $1,000 for a runner-up. For 2026, we invite essays that address any or all topics related to: our relationship to the natural living world, land and place, preservation/conservation, alpine ecosystems, wild(er)ness and the deep woods. We welcome personal, scientific, adventure, or memoir essays." Deadline: March 15, 2026.

Category:

Awards

For:

VISIT

Fellowships & Grants

The Alexia Grants

"Through grants, scholarships and special projects, The Alexia promotes the power of visual storytelling to shed light on significant issues around the world by supporting photographers and filmmakers whose work informs, fosters cultural understanding and inspires meaningful change." Professionals receive $5,000-20,000 ($50 application fee). Students receive $1,000-2,000 plus other benefits. The student grant application is free. The 2026 submission cycle opens Jan. 13 and closes Feb. 13.

Article

How To Read a Scientific Paper

"Here’s how to decode any research paper. These tips and tricks will work whether you’re covering developmental biology or deep-space exploration. The key is to familiarize yourself with the framework in which scientists describe their discoveries, and to not let yourself get bogged down in detail as you’re trying to understand the overarching point of it all."

Awards

Collier Awards for Ethics in Journalism

Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University

"The Peter F. Collier Awards for Ethics in Journalism celebrate acts of journalism by student and professional journalists that meet the highest ethical standards in the face of pressure or incentives to do otherwise. The awards are administered by the Ethics and Journalism Initiative at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University. Founded in 2024, the award is granted annually." Work in three categories is recognized — student, local and national significance — with cash awards up to $15,000. Deadline: ~~Dec. 8, 2025~~ extended to Dec. 22.

Find a resource

Library

Propel Initiative Regional Training Series at Cal Poly SLO

Solutions Journalism Student Media Challenge

TMiP Podcast

The Open Newsroom Fellowship for Rhode Island Undergrads

National Wildlife Photo Contest

The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science

Q&A: Ella Muncie on AI, Environmental Storytelling and the Future of Advocacy

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

ABSW Young Science Writer Award

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

Health Journalism (AHCJ Annual Conference)

From Psychedelics to Wildlife Crime: Reporting at the Frontiers of Science and Society

Science Communication for Scientists

Planet Forward Storyfest Awards

C&EN’s Editorial Fellowship Program

SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards

Science Journalism’s Overlooked Role in Educating the Public

New Media Writing Prize

Sony World Photography Awards

Writing Science Explainers for Local Audiences

CCNow Academy: Tropical Cyclones

Waterman Fund Essay Contest for Emerging Writers

The Alexia Grants

How To Read a Scientific Paper

Collier Awards for Ethics in Journalism