Junior Journalists

Young Voices. Real Stories. Community Impact.

Welcome to the Junior Journalist Program — where the next generation of storytellers learns to inform, inspire, and change lives.

Our mission is simple & powerful

Revitalize Local Journalism
Empower Youth Voices
Educate Young Audiences on Issues that Matter

Why This Program Matters

The crisis in local journalism has created information deserts across our neighborhoods. Youth-led reporting matters because it fills these gaps with genuine local stories, providing a vital platform for student voices while training the next generation to inform, inspire, and foster community resilience.

Monthly Challenge

The Junior Journalist Challenge is a monthly contest for students aged 15–20 in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Submit an article, video, podcast, or package on this month's theme — every eligible entry gets published on Pleasanton Weekly, and the top article and video each win a $150 Editor's Choice Award.

Go to Challenge

Our Sponsors and Support

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our dedicated partners and community organizations who champion the next generation of investigate journalists.

Three Valleys Community Foundation

Alameda County Behavioral Health Services

Tha Town

Embarcadero Media

Pleasanton Weekly