2018 Urban Student Journalism Academy
June 25-July 6, 2018
at the Urban League of Greater Kansas City
1710 the Paseo Blvd.
Sponsored by The Kansas City Association of Black Journalists
KCABJ is a not-for-profit corporation registered with the Secretary of State of Missouri and affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists.
About the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists
KCABJ was founded in 1981, and this year it celebrates its 37th anniversary as an organization of professional black journalists. This is the 33th KCABJ Urban Student Journalism Academy. Many graduates of the program are established in the field or are pursuing careers in journalism.
For more information about the academy or the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists call KCABJ Treasurer Bette Tate-Beaver at 816-241-9089 or KCABJ President Lewis W. Diuguid at 816-730-9194.
About The Urban League of Greater Kansas City
The Urban League of Greater Kansas City has been part of the national network of Urban Leagues since 1919. Its mission is to enable African-Americans and other disadvantaged persons to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. The Urban League’s programs provide assistance to area residents to help them gain employment and build sustainable careers. The Kansas City Association of Black Journalists is committed to working with high school and college students to prepare them for careers in print and broadcast journalism or other communications fields. This year’s academy continues that tradition in the Urban League’s continuing education classroom.
The 2018 KCABJ Urban Journalism Academy is free to students. It is a commuter program and is conveniently located on a bus line in the Urban League’s newly remodeled high-tech classroom in the 18th & Vine Jazz Heritage District. There is a mandatory orientation on Saturday, June 23. The location will be announced to those students selected for the program. Each student is responsible for his or her own transportation to and from the KCABJ academy each day. Class begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
This academy is unique in our area because it is taught by journalists working for newspapers, television and radio stations, in public relations and new media in Greater Kansas City. Educators will add their knowledge to the instruction. Students will be:
— Assigned stories to report and write.
— They will work on computers.
— Shadow reporters.
— Study social media and its personal and population effects.
— Benefit from lectures from major newsmakers.
— Network with influential people.
— Produce their own newspaper and radio and television newscasts.
- Tour area media companies.
Every student who attends the academy leaves with enhanced reading, writing, analytical, communication and questioning skills. Teachers and parents have said teenagers and young adults have returned from the summer program energized and far more interested and able to learn than before.
Scholarships & Other Opportunities
Students selected for the academy will compete for scholarships offered by KCABJ. The awards go to the best students in the class. The class size will be limited to 12. Many of our graduates are award-winning journalists today.
To Apply
- Write a one-page essay on the role people of color should have in journalism.
- Send one sample of your writing — if possible something that has been published (e.g. an article in your school newspaper). We are seeking committed students who are not afraid of hard work and who already have a demonstrated interest in journalism.
- Mail this completed application, your essay and writing sample by May 9, 2018, to KCABJ, P.O. Box 32744, Kansas City, Mo. 64171.
Academy Application
Name_____________________________________
Email:____________________________________
Male______ Female _______ Birth date_________
Address___________________________________
City_________________ State/ZIP _____________
Phone ____________________________________
School Name_______________________________
Year in School ______________________________
GPA_______________________________________
Journalism/English/Yearbook Teacher’s Name:
___________________________________________
In which area are you most interested? Rank
each 1, 2, 3 or 4 with your favorite being #1.
_____Newspaper Television ________
______Radio Public Relations _____
List journalism and/or writing experience in courses you have taken or media companies
where you’ve worked:________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
On a separate sheet of paper list your career
goals and why you want to attend this academy.
Student signature_______________________________________
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian_____________________________________________