INTRODUCTION TO RESOURCES
This Resources section is designed as a practical toolkit for educators, youth program directors, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers who want to create or strengthen youth media and journalism programs. The resources collected here reflect both the essential foundations of quality youth journalism and the holistic approach to youth development that defined HarlemLIVE from 1996-2011.
You’ll find traditional journalism resources alongside sections on nutrition education, urban planning, and parenting—because HarlemLIVE understood that young people don’t develop in silos. Great youth media programs address the whole person and the whole community. Some sections may be more relevant to your specific context than others; use what serves your vision.
This section has been updated for the 2026 revised edition to reflect current digital tools, platforms, and funding opportunities. However, the media landscape evolves rapidly. We encourage you to verify links and explore newer resources as they emerge. For ongoing updates and additional resources, visit www.harlemlive.net/resources. The HarlemLIVE model continues to inspire innovation in youth journalism education—Stanford University’s CivicStudio project, currently in development, uses AI to scale HarlemLIVE’s mentorship approach for a new generation of student journalists. Think of this as your starting point, not your ending point.
YOUTH AND MEDIA
Organizations
Student Press Law Center and New Voices Initiative
The Student Press Law Center is the nation’s only legal organization devoted exclusively to defending and advancing the free press rights of student journalists. For more than 50 years, SPLC has helped students and their educators navigate the law, strengthen their reporting, and stand up for press freedom.
New Voices is a student-powered nonpartisan grassroots movement of state-based activists who seek to protect student press freedom with state laws. These laws counteract the impact of the 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Supreme Court decision, which dramatically changed the balance of student press rights.
URL: https://splc.org/ New Voices: https://splc.org/new-voices
Press Pass NYC
An organization dedicated to fostering student journalism in New York City public schools. They offer faculty training, student resources, and support for school newspaper programs, aiming to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and community engagement among students. Since 2021, Press Pass NYC has helped launch or revive student-led news publications at 30+ NYC public schools.
Wide Angle Youth Media
A Baltimore-based youth media program that provides students with opportunities to develop practical skills in media production and journalism. The organization empowers young people by teaching them how to create and share their stories using various forms of media. Wide Angle has built a state-of-the-art community center, learning lab, and production space.
URL: https://www.wideanglemedia.org/
The Boyle Heights Beat
Youth-produced local newspaper based in Los Angeles, California. The publication is written, edited, and produced by young people who live in Boyle Heights, and covers issues important to the community, such as immigration, housing, and education. The website provides access to the latest issue as well as an archive of past issues.
URL: https://boyleheightsbeat.com
Student Reporting Labs (PBS)
Student Reporting Labs (SRL) is a national youth journalism program and public media initiative that trains teenagers across the country to produce stories that highlight the achievements, challenges, and reality of today’s youth. The program is now in over 180 middle and high schools and offers young people the opportunity to develop skills in journalism, digital media production, and storytelling while creating stories that reflect their unique experiences and perspectives.
URL: https://studentreportinglabs.org/
NYC Youth Journalism Coalition
A New York City-based coalition ensuring equitable access to journalism opportunities for the city’s youth. The organization empowers young aspiring journalists through workshops, mentorship, and direct media industry engagement, providing a platform for students to develop journalistic skills, explore critical societal issues, and contribute their voices to the media landscape.
URL: https://www.youthjournalismnyc.org/
City Limits CLARIFY News Program
A cornerstone of NYC’s investigative journalism, City Limits’ CLARIFY (City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth) empowers high school students through public service journalism training. Launched in 2014 and supported by notable foundations, this program offers youth a platform for impactful reporting on urban issues, honing their research and storytelling skills in a real-world context. CLARIFY is a paid internship providing meaningful career readiness and civic engagement skills.
URL: https://citylimits.org/clarify-youth-program/
Reel Works
A Brooklyn-based nonprofit that mentors, inspires, and empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to successful careers in media and beyond. Since 2001, Reel Works matches teens one-on-one with professional filmmaker mentors to create original short documentaries, narrative films, and experimental films. Their award-winning student films have been seen by over 20 million viewers worldwide. Reel Works offers after-school programs, in-school workshops, and MediaMKRS, a workforce development program that trains and credentials rising talent for media industry careers.
URL: https://www.reelworks.org/
CivicStudio (Stanford University)
A Stanford research project (led by Professor Hari Subramonyam and student researcher Nidhi Parthasarathy) that builds on the HarlemLIVE model, using AI to scale journalism mentorship. Students practice interviewing AI-driven virtual subjects that simulate real-world communication styles—including evasive, biased, or verbose personalities. The platform provides real-time AI mentoring feedback, helping students strengthen skills like active listening and navigating difficult conversations before conducting real interviews. Students can publish their work as web stories or podcasts.
Why it’s useful: Particularly valuable for programs without access to experienced journalism mentors or for students needing interview practice in a safe environment.
Status: Currently in development
Contact: Professor Hari Subramonyam, Stanford University
URL: TBD
Key Articles on Student Journalism
“Hard News. Angry Administration. Teenage Journalists Know What It’s Like” By Jaclyn Peiser, The New York Times, July 1, 2018 High school educators across the country have been clamping down on students who publish articles on protests, sexuality, and other hot-button issues. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/business/media/student-journalism-school-newspaper.html
“When the Student Newspaper Is the Only Daily Paper in Town” By Dan Levin, The New York Times, October 19, 2019 As more than 2,000 newspapers across the country have closed or merged, student journalists from Michigan to Arizona have stepped in to fill the void. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/19/us/news-desert-ann-arbor-michigan.html
“To Anyone Who Thinks Journalists Can’t Change the World” By Marie Tae McDermott, The New York Times, September 5, 2018 Over the course of one month, three separate stories from our International desk—reported on the ground in Iraq, Thailand, and South Africa—helped lead to immediate reforms. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/insider/isis-thailand-south-africa-reforms.html
“Black And White And Forgotten All Over?” By Anna Phillips, City Limits, September 10, 2007 This City Limits article explores the disappearance of public high school newspapers in New York City, highlighting the lack of resources and support for student journalism programs and the impact on young people’s access to important information and opportunities for civic engagement. URL: https://citylimits.org/2007/09/10/black-and-white-and-forgotten-all-over/
Books
A NewsHound’s Guide to Student Journalism By Katina Paron and Javier Guelfi, 2018, McFarland & Company Packed with reporting exercises and fundamentals of the craft woven into engaging narratives, each comic also gives readers a look at the real-life event that inspired the tale. ISBN: 978-1476672564 Available on Amazon
High School Journalism: A Practical Guide By Jim Streisel, 2007, McFarland & Company Students will find valuable information about identifying news, interviewing, research, narrative writing style, editing, visual presentation, and layout. The book also covers the legal rights of student journalists, objective versus opinion writing, staff planning and organization, and Web-based journalism. ISBN: 978-0786429370 Available on Amazon
News for US: Citizen Journalists and the Rise of “News Intifada” in Gaza By Joe Holley, 2020, University of Texas Press While focused on Gaza, this book explores youth-driven citizen journalism in crisis contexts, offering valuable insights into how young people document their communities under challenging circumstances. Relevant for programs teaching about international journalism, citizen reporting, and youth voice in media. ISBN: 978-1477320358
The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect (4th Edition) By Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, 2021, Crown Updated classic defining journalism’s principles for the digital age; essential reference for teaching journalism fundamentals and ethics. ISBN: 978-0-1-804-2420-4
Verification Handbook for Disinformation and Media Manipulation By Craig Silverman (Editor), 2018, European Journalism Centre Free digital handbook essential for teaching verification skills in the social media age; practical tools for evaluating sources, images, and videos. ISBN: 978-90-825-4264-2 Available free: https://datajournalism.com/read/handbook/verification-3
The View from Somewhere: Undoing the Myth of Journalistic Objectivity By Lewis Raven Wallace, 2019, University of Chicago Press Challenges traditional objectivity doctrine; explores identity, bias, and transparency in journalism—essential for contemporary journalism ethics education. ISBN: 978-0226638379
Words on Fire: The Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It By Robin Tolmach Lakoff, 2024, The New Press Recent examination of inflammatory rhetoric, media manipulation, and the importance of critical language analysis—essential for student journalists covering polarized topics. ISBN: 978-1620977941
Don’t Be Evil: How Big Tech Betrayed Its Founding Principles—and All of Us By Rana Foroohar, 2019, Currency Essential reading for understanding the tech platforms where youth journalism lives; examines platform power, algorithmic influence, and digital media business models. ISBN: 978-0525509744
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity By Katherine Boo, 2012, Random House Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative journalism about a Mumbai slum; exemplifies immersive reporting and ethical storytelling about marginalized communities. Excellent for teaching narrative journalism and ethics. ISBN: 978-0812979329
So You Want to Publish a Magazine? By Angharad Lewis and Octavia Reeve, 2018, Laurence King Publishing Practical guide to creating independent magazines; covers design, business models, and distribution—valuable for student publication startups. ISBN: 978-1786272713
DIGITAL TOOLS & PLATFORMS
The youth media landscape has been transformed by accessible digital tools and platforms. Today’s young journalists need skills in video editing, podcast production, graphic design, and social media storytelling—often using free or low-cost tools. This section provides an overview of essential platforms and software for contemporary youth media programs.
Social Media & Publishing Platforms
TikTok
What it is: Short-form video platform that has become a primary news source for Gen Z, with powerful editing tools built directly into the app.
Why it’s useful: Youth journalists can reach their peers where they already are, experiment with creative storytelling formats, and learn visual journalism skills. TikTok’s news coverage and youth activism content demonstrate the platform’s journalistic potential.
Best for: All levels; Students ages 13+; Free
Instagram Reels
What it is: Instagram’s short-form video feature, integrated into the broader Instagram platform.
Why it’s useful: Allows youth media programs to publish short-form video journalism while building an audience on an established platform; useful for photo essays, behind-the-scenes content, and quick news updates.
Best for: Beginners to Advanced; Students; Free
URL: https://www.instagram.com
YouTube & YouTube Shorts
What it is: The world’s largest video platform, offering both long-form content and “Shorts” (vertical videos under 60 seconds).
Why it’s useful: Essential for video journalism programs; offers monetization potential, excellent analytics, and the ability to build a sustainable audience. YouTube Studio provides robust editing and publishing tools.
Best for: All levels; Educators and Students; Free
Medium
What it is: Publishing platform that emphasizes quality writing with clean, distraction-free design and built-in audience.
Why it’s useful: Student journalists can publish long-form articles professionally, build portfolios, and potentially earn money through Medium’s Partner Program. No technical setup required.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced writers; Students; Freemium
URL: https://medium.com
Cost: Free to publish; $5/month for unlimited reading
Substack
What it is: Newsletter platform that makes it easy to build a subscriber base and monetize content through paid subscriptions.
Why it’s useful: Youth media programs can build sustainable audiences, teach entrepreneurial journalism, and create ongoing community engagement beyond school years.
Best for: Advanced; Educators and Students; Free to start
URL: https://substack.com
Cost: Free (Substack takes 10% of paid subscriptions)
WordPress
What it is: The world’s most popular content management system (CMS), powering over 40% of all websites.
Why it’s useful: Gives students full control over their publication’s design and functionality; teaches valuable web skills; can grow from simple blog to sophisticated news site.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced; Educators with some technical skills
URL: https://wordpress.org (self-hosted) or https://wordpress.com (hosted)
Cost: Free (self-hosted requires separate hosting ~$5-15/month) or Free-$45/month (WordPress.com plans)
Video Editing Tools
CapCut
What it is: Free, user-friendly video editing app owned by ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), available on mobile and desktop.
Why it’s useful: Extremely popular with Gen Z; offers professional features like keyframe animation, green screen, and auto-captions; students can edit on their phones without expensive software.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate; Students; Free
DaVinci Resolve
What it is: Professional-grade video editing software used in Hollywood productions, with a fully-featured free version.
Why it’s useful: Students learn industry-standard tools without cost barriers; includes color correction, audio post-production, and visual effects. Excellent for serious youth journalism programs.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced; Educators and Students; Free
URL: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
Cost: Free (Studio version $295 one-time purchase)
iMovie
What it is: Apple’s free video editing software for Mac and iOS devices.
Why it’s useful: Intuitive interface perfect for beginners; seamless integration with iPhones and iPads; produces professional-looking results quickly.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate; Students; Free (Apple devices only)
URL: https://www.apple.com/imovie/
Adobe Premiere Rush
What it is: Simplified version of Adobe Premiere Pro designed for quick video editing and social media publishing.
Why it’s useful: Easier learning curve than Premiere Pro while still teaching Adobe’s interface; syncs across devices; direct publishing to social platforms.
Best for: Intermediate; Students and Educators; Paid
URL: https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-rush.html
Cost: $9.99/month (included in Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps)
Podcasting Tools
Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)
What it is: Free podcast creation platform now owned by Spotify, offering recording, editing, hosting, and distribution.
Why it’s useful: Removes all technical and financial barriers to podcasting; students can record on phones, edit in-app, and automatically distribute to all major platforms. Built-in monetization options.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate; Students; Free
URL: https://podcasters.spotify.com
Audacity
What it is: Free, open-source audio editing software that’s been the standard for decades.
Why it’s useful: Powerful editing capabilities for podcast production; teaches fundamental audio engineering skills; works on all operating systems.
Best for: Intermediate; Educators and Students; Free
URL: https://www.audacityteam.org
Riverside.fm
What it is: Web-based platform for recording high-quality remote interviews with separate audio/video tracks for each participant.
Why it’s useful: Students can interview sources anywhere in the world with studio-quality results; records locally on each device to avoid internet quality issues; includes built-in editing.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced; Educators and Students; Freemium
URL: https://riverside.fm
Cost: Free for up to 2 hours/month; paid plans from $7.50/month
Descript
What it is: Revolutionary audio/video editing software that works like a word processor—edit audio by editing the transcript.
Why it’s useful: Makes podcast editing accessible to students who find traditional audio editors intimidating; automatic transcription saves hours; includes overdub (text-to-speech) and studio sound features.
Best for: Intermediate; Educators and Students; Freemium
Cost: Free for 1 hour transcription/month; Creator plan $24/month
GarageBand
What it is: Apple’s free music creation and podcast production software for Mac and iOS.
Why it’s useful: Excellent for podcast production with built-in presets; intuitive interface; teaches audio fundamentals; includes music library for intros/outros.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate; Students; Free (Apple devices only)
URL: https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
Design & Graphics Tools
Canva
What it is: Web-based graphic design platform with drag-and-drop interface and thousands of templates for social media, presentations, infographics, and more.
Why it’s useful: Democratizes design for non-designers; students create professional-looking graphics in minutes; Canva for Education is free for K-12 and includes premium features.
Best for: All levels; Educators and Students; Free for Education
URL: https://www.canva.com/education/
Cost: Free for Education; Pro version $12.99/month (not needed with Education account)
Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark)
What it is: Simplified Adobe design tool for quick graphics, web pages, and short videos.
Why it’s useful: Easier than full Adobe Creative Suite but still teaches Adobe design principles; excellent for social media graphics and web stories; integrates with other Adobe products.
Best for: Beginners to Intermediate; Students; Freemium
URL: https://www.adobe.com/express/
Cost: Free with limitations; Premium $9.99/month (included with Creative Cloud)
Photopea
What it is: Free, browser-based photo editor that mimics Adobe Photoshop’s interface and functionality.
Why it’s useful: No download required; works on Chromebooks and low-spec computers; teaches Photoshop-like skills without cost; supports PSD files.
Best for: Intermediate; Students; Free
Cost: Free (ad-supported) or $5/month (ad-free)
Collaboration & Project Management Tools
Discord
What it is: Communication platform originally built for gamers, now widely used for community building and team collaboration.
Why it’s useful: Students are already familiar with it; supports text, voice, and video; create dedicated channels for different story teams; share files and links; free with no limits.
Best for: All levels; Students and Educators; Free
URL: https://discord.com
Slack
What it is: Professional team communication platform used by newsrooms and businesses worldwide.
Why it’s useful: Teaches workplace communication norms; organized channels keep projects manageable; integrates with numerous other tools; searchable archive of conversations.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced; Educators and Students; Freemium
URL: https://slack.com
Cost: Free for small teams; Pro $7.25/user/month
Notion
What it is: All-in-one workspace combining notes, databases, project management, and collaboration.
Why it’s useful: Students can manage story assignments, create editorial calendars, build source databases, and collaborate on research—all in one place. Highly customizable.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced; Educators and Students; Free for Education
URL: https://www.notion.so/product/notion-for-education
Google Workspace for Education
What it is: Google’s suite of collaboration tools including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Classroom.
Why it’s useful: Free for schools; real-time collaboration; automatic saving; accessible from any device; most students already use it.
Best for: All levels; Educators and Students; Free for Education
URL: https://edu.google.com/workspace-for-education/
FUNDING & GRANTS
Sustainable funding is one of the biggest challenges facing youth media programs. This section provides pathways to grants, foundations, and alternative funding models. Start by researching local community foundations in your area, as they often have youth programs or media/arts funding priorities. Build relationships with funders by inviting them to student showcases and sharing impact stories.
Foundation Databases & Research Tools
Candid (formerly Foundation Center)
What it is: The world’s largest source of information on foundations and grants, offering databases, research tools, and funding guides.
Why it’s useful: Search for grants by topic (youth development, journalism, media literacy), location, and funding amount; access 990 tax forms to research foundations; many public libraries offer free Candid access.
Best for: Educators and Program Directors; Subscription required (library access often free)
URL: https://candid.org
Cost: Free resources available; GuideStar subscription starts at $50/month; Foundation Directory Online from $39.95/month
GrantWatch
What it is: Database of current grants and funding opportunities updated daily, searchable by category and location.
Why it’s useful: More affordable than Candid; includes federal, state, and private foundation grants; email alerts for new opportunities matching your criteria.
Best for: Educators and Program Directors; Subscription required
URL: https://www.grantwatch.com
Cost: Individual subscriptions from $39.95/month
Instrumentl
What it is: Grant discovery and management platform specifically designed for nonprofits, with AI-powered matching.
Why it’s useful: Automatically matches your program to relevant grants; tracks deadlines and requirements; includes grant writing tools and templates.
Best for: Program Directors; Subscription required
URL: https://www.instrumentl.com
Cost: From $179/month (14-day free trial available)
National Foundations Supporting Youth Media & Journalism
Knight Foundation
What it is: Major funder of journalism innovation, free expression, and community engagement, with particular focus on local news and media literacy.
Why it’s useful: Has funded numerous youth journalism programs, media literacy initiatives, and journalism education projects; offers both large grants and Knight News Challenge competitions.
Best for: Established programs seeking significant funding; organizations in Knight communities receive priority
URL: https://knightfoundation.org
Application info: https://knightfoundation.org/apply/
McCormick Foundation
What it is: Chicago-based foundation supporting journalism, education, and community development, with strong commitment to journalism education.
Why it’s useful: Funds journalism education programs, student newsrooms, and media literacy initiatives, particularly in the Chicago area; also supports national journalism organizations.
Best for: Programs in Illinois (especially Chicago) or national journalism education organizations
URL: https://www.mccormickfoundation.org
Application info: https://www.mccormickfoundation.org/our-focus/communities/
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
What it is: Private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress that funds public media stations and content.
Why it’s useful: Offers grants for local journalism initiatives, digital innovation, and educational content; PBS Student Reporting Labs is a CPB-supported program.
Best for: Public media stations or organizations partnering with them
URL: https://www.cpb.org
Grants info: https://www.cpb.org/grants
Google News Initiative
What it is: Google’s effort to support quality journalism through funding, training, and technology.
Why it’s useful: Offers innovation grants, emergency funding for news organizations, and training programs; increasingly focused on underserved communities and news deserts.
Best for: Innovative digital journalism projects; local news initiatives
URL: https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com
Open Society Foundations
What it is: International grantmaking network supporting justice, human rights, and free expression.
Why it’s useful: Funds media literacy, press freedom, and youth civic engagement programs; particularly supportive of programs serving marginalized communities.
Best for: Programs with social justice focus; international or immigrant youth programs
URL: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org
Fiscal Sponsorship Organizations
Fractured Atlas
What it is: National nonprofit providing fiscal sponsorship and other services to artists and arts organizations, including media makers.
Why it’s useful: Allows unincorporated programs to accept tax-deductible donations; handles administrative burdens; monthly fee structure makes it accessible.
Best for: New programs not yet incorporated as 501(c)(3); individual educators starting programs
URL: https://www.fracturedatlas.org
Cost: Application fee + monthly membership fee
The Film Collaborative
What it is: Nonprofit offering fiscal sponsorship specifically for film and media projects.
Why it’s useful: Specialized understanding of media projects; can sponsor youth documentary and video journalism programs; provides industry connections.
Best for: Video journalism and documentary programs
URL: https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org
Tides Foundation
What it is: One of the largest providers of fiscal sponsorship, supporting social change projects across all issue areas.
Why it’s useful: Established credibility with major funders; can handle large grants; provides financial management services.
Best for: Programs seeking larger grants; need for sophisticated financial management
URL: https://www.tides.org/fiscal-sponsorship/
Cost: Administrative fees vary; typically 7-10% of funds raised
Crowdfunding & Community Support Platforms
DonorsChoose
What it is: Crowdfunding platform specifically for public school teachers to request materials and experiences for their classrooms.
Why it’s useful: Pre-vetted donor base committed to education; materials purchased and shipped directly to schools; builds community support for journalism programs.
Best for: Public school teachers; specific equipment or materials needs
URL: https://www.donorschoose.org
GoFundMe
What it is: General crowdfunding platform used for personal causes, community projects, and nonprofit fundraising.
Why it’s useful: No upfront costs; keep what you raise even if you don’t meet goal; easy to share via social media; good for specific needs (equipment, field trips).
Best for: One-time needs; community-based fundraising; emergency funding
Cost: Platform fee 2.9% + $0.30 per donation
Patreon
What it is: Membership platform that allows creators to earn sustainable income through monthly subscriptions from supporters.
Why it’s useful: Student publications can build ongoing supporter base; teaches sustainable journalism business models; supporters get exclusive content.
Best for: Established programs with audience; teaching entrepreneurial journalism
Cost: Platform fees 5-12% depending on plan
Corporate Giving Programs
Google for Nonprofits
What it is: Google’s program offering free and discounted products to qualifying nonprofits, including Google Workspace, Ad Grants, and YouTube benefits.
Why it’s useful: Access to premium tools at no cost; $10,000/month in Google Ads grants can drive traffic to student publications; legitimizes program.
Best for: Registered 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscal sponsors
URL: https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
Microsoft for Nonprofits
What it is: Microsoft’s donation and discount program for nonprofits, offering software, cloud services, and hardware discounts.
Why it’s useful: Donated or discounted Office 365, cloud storage, and equipment; reduces technology costs significantly.
Best for: Registered 501(c)(3) organizations
URL: https://www.microsoft.com/nonprofits
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers
What it is: Best Buy’s program creating teen-focused technology learning environments in underserved communities.
Why it’s useful: Provides technology, training, and ongoing support for youth programs; media production fits their mission.
Best for: Community centers and youth organizations in Best Buy markets
URL: https://corporate.bestbuy.com/community-grants-teen-tech-centers/
LEGAL & ETHICS
Understanding media law and ethics is fundamental to responsible journalism education. This section provides resources for navigating legal rights, ethical decision-making, and protecting both students and sources. Even though student journalists have strong First Amendment protections in many states, adult advisors must understand liability issues, privacy laws, and ethical frameworks. Make these concepts part of your curriculum from day one.
Press Rights & Legal Protections
Student Press Law Center (SPLC)
What it is: The nation’s only legal assistance organization devoted exclusively to defending and advancing the free press rights of student journalists.
Why it’s useful: Free legal help for student journalists facing censorship; state-by-state guides to student press law; Know Your Rights resources; training materials for advisors; New Voices advocacy for state-level press freedom laws.
Best for: All student journalism programs; essential resource for advisors
URL: https://splc.org
Free legal helpline: https://splc.org/helpline/
New Voices initiative: https://splc.org/new-voices/
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP)
What it is: Nonprofit legal defense organization providing free legal assistance to journalists and news organizations.
Why it’s useful: While focused on professional journalism, RCFP resources (legal guides, hotlines, case law summaries) apply to student journalists; excellent First Amendment educational materials.
Best for: Advanced programs; understanding professional journalism law; serious legal questions
URL: https://www.rcfp.org
Legal resources: https://www.rcfp.org/resources/
First Amendment Center (Freedom Forum)
What it is: Educational initiative providing comprehensive First Amendment resources and programs.
Why it’s useful: Excellent teaching materials about press freedom; clear explanations of court cases affecting student press; free educational resources.
Best for: Educators teaching First Amendment; curriculum development
URL: https://www.freedomforum.org/first-amendment-center/
Ethics Codes & Guidelines
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics
What it is: The most widely recognized and adopted code of ethics in American journalism, covering truth-seeking, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable.
Why it’s useful: Provides clear framework for ethical decision-making; youth journalists can learn professional standards; available in multiple languages; includes case studies.
Best for: All programs; foundational ethics education
URL: https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Teaching materials: https://www.spj.org/ethics-teaching.asp
Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Code of Ethics
What it is: Ethics code specifically for broadcast and digital journalism, covering professional standards and social media policies.
Why it’s useful: Addresses video, audio, and digital journalism ethics; includes guidance on social media use by journalists; updated regularly for digital age.
Best for: Video, broadcast, and multimedia journalism programs
URL: https://www.rtdna.org/content/rtdna_code_of_ethics
Poynter Institute – Ethics Resources
What it is: Journalism education organization offering extensive ethics case studies, guidelines, and training materials.
Why it’s useful: Real-world scenarios help students work through ethical dilemmas; regularly updated for current issues (AI, deepfakes, social media); many free resources.
Best for: Advanced ethical reasoning; case-study teaching
URL: https://www.poynter.org/tag/ethics/
Online News Association (ONA) Ethics Guidelines
What it is: Ethics guidance specifically for digital journalism, covering online reporting, social media, user-generated content, and engagement.
Why it’s useful: Addresses ethical questions unique to online journalism; student journalists primarily publish online so this is directly relevant.
Best for: Digital-first programs; social media journalism
URL: https://journalists.org/resources/ethics-guidelines/
Copyright & Fair Use
Copyright and Fair Use – Stanford University Libraries
What it is: Comprehensive educational resource explaining copyright law and fair use doctrine, with specific guidance for educators and students.
Why it’s useful: Clear explanations of what student journalists can and cannot use; fair use checklist; addresses music, photos, video; constantly updated.
Best for: All programs; essential reference for using others’ work
URL: https://fairuse.stanford.edu
Creative Commons
What it is: Nonprofit organization providing free licenses that allow creators to grant permission for others to use their work.
Why it’s useful: Students can learn to properly license their own work; find photos, music, and video they can legally use; understand the spectrum between full copyright and public domain.
Best for: All programs; teaching responsible content sharing
URL: https://creativecommons.org
Search for CC-licensed content: https://search.creativecommons.org
U.S. Copyright Office – Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
What it is: Official U.S. government publication explaining copyright fundamentals in plain language.
Why it’s useful: Authoritative source; free PDF; covers what copyright protects, registration, duration, and limitations.
Best for: Educators; understanding legal foundations
URL: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf
Center for Media & Social Impact – Copyright and Fair Use
What it is: Research and resource center at American University focused on media creators’ rights, with specific codes of best practices for fair use.
Why it’s useful: “Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Journalism” provides concrete guidance; addresses documentary filmmaking and online video.
Best for: Video journalism programs; understanding professional standards
URL: https://cmsimpact.org/program/fair-use/
Privacy, Consent & Source Protection
Student Press Law Center – Privacy Guide
What it is: Legal guide specifically addressing privacy issues in student journalism, including photographing people, reporting on minors, and public vs. private information.
Why it’s useful: Addresses specific concerns of student journalists; explains when parental consent is needed; covers school-specific privacy issues.
Best for: All programs; essential for photo/video journalism
URL: https://splc.org/2022/07/privacy-and-student-media/
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) – Ethics
What it is: Professional organization for photojournalists with detailed ethics code addressing privacy, manipulation, staging, and consent.
Why it’s useful: Visual journalism requires specific ethical considerations; excellent case studies of photo ethics violations; addresses digital manipulation.
Best for: Photography and video journalism programs
URL: https://nppa.org/code-ethics
Libel, Defamation & Fact-Checking
Student Press Law Center – Libel Guide
What it is: Comprehensive explanation of defamation law as it applies to student journalists.
Why it’s useful: Helps students understand how to report critically without legal liability; explains actual malice standard; provides checklist for avoiding defamation.
Best for: All programs; especially investigative journalism
URL: https://splc.org/2022/07/libel/
News Literacy Project – Fact-Checking Resources
What it is: Nonprofit providing free news literacy education with extensive fact-checking tools and lessons.
Why it’s useful: Teaches verification skills; provides frameworks for evaluating information credibility; includes educator resources and student activities.
Best for: All programs; building verification skills
URL: https://newslit.org
Checkology platform: https://get.checkology.org
International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) – Fact-Checkers’ Code of Principles
What it is: Code of principles for fact-checking organizations, emphasizing nonpartisanship, transparency, and methodological rigor.
Why it’s useful: Teaches professional fact-checking standards; helps programs develop verification protocols; builds credibility.
Best for: Advanced programs; programs doing fact-checking work
URL: https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking-code-of-principles/
Verification Handbook
What it is: Free, practical guide to verifying user-generated content and digital sources in emergency coverage.
Why it’s useful: Essential skills for digital age journalism; teaches reverse image search, geolocation verification, and source evaluation.
Best for: Digital journalism programs; social media verification
URL: http://verificationhandbook.com
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING JOURNALISM
National Organizations Supporting Local News
American Journalism Project
Empowering communities, preserving democracy, and rebuilding local news, this organization focuses on revitalizing local journalism to support informed communities and a healthy democracy through venture philanthropy and newsroom support.
“Save Local Journalism! A New Project is Trying” by David Leonhardt, The New York Times, December 10, 2019https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/opinion/local-news.html
Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)
The Institute for Nonprofit News is a network of over 500 independent news organizations across the United States. Their mission is to strengthen and support nonprofit newsrooms by providing resources, training, and collaboration opportunities.
URL: https://inn.org
ProPublica Local Reporting Network
ProPublica supports local and regional newsrooms as they work on essential investigative projects impacting their communities, fostering collaboration and sharing resources to strengthen local journalism.
URL: https://www.propublica.org/local-reporting-network
International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
The IWMF provides safety training, reporting trips, and byline opportunities specifically tailored to support and empower women journalists in their careers.
URL: https://www.iwmf.org
Media Literacy Organizations
National/International Media Literacy Organizations
A curated list of organizations committed to social, political, and cultural education in the realm of media literacy, provided by the NW Alliance for Responsible Media.
URL: https://nwamedialiteracy.org/resources-2/national-and-international-media-literacy-organizations
JOURNALISM AND THE LOCAL NEWS CRISIS
Understanding the local news landscape helps youth media programs position themselves as community solutions and understand journalism’s critical democratic role. These articles explore challenges facing journalism and emerging models for sustainable local news.
The Crisis
“What Happens to Democracy When Local Journalism Dries Up?” By Margaret Sullivan, The Washington Post, June 29, 2022 This article discusses the increasing number of “news deserts” in the U.S. as local newspapers continue to close down, posing serious implications for democracy. URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/06/29/news-deserts-newspapers-democracy
“News Deserts Are a Civic Crisis” By Katrina vanden Heuvel, The Washington Post, July 19, 2022 Highlights the importance of addressing news deserts to preserve democracy and local communities. URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/19/save-local-news-democracy
“A Secretive Hedge Fund Is Gutting Newsrooms: Inside Alden Global Capital” By McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, October 14, 2021 Inside Alden Global Capital’s destruction of American newspapers. URL: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/11/alden-global-capital-killing-americas-newspapers/620171
“Local news isn’t dying out: It’s being killed off by corporate greed” By Matthew Sheffield, Salon, March 23, 2018 While hedge funds raid and kill local newspapers, Sinclair tries to build an empire of low-grade local TV stations. URL: https://www.salon.com/2018/03/23/local-news-isnt-dying-out-its-being-killed-off-by-corporate-greed
“As the Press Weakens, So Does Democracy” By Charles Blow, The New York Times, July 18, 2021 URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/18/opinion/media-newspapers-democracy.html
Solutions & Innovation
“The Local-News Crisis Is Weirdly Easy to Solve” By Steven Waldman, The Atlantic, August 8, 2023 URL: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/local-news-investment-economic-value/674942
“Five Pieces of Good News about the News” By Ben Smith, The New York Times, July 11, 2021 A look at ventures that have sprung up, fueled by a new sense of mission in American journalism. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/11/business/media/good-news-media-sites.html
“When the Local Paper Shrank, These Journalists Started an Alternative” By Katharine Q. Seelye, The New York Times, June 20, 2021 The New Bedford Light has sprung up in an old New England whaling town to fill a void in coverage. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/20/business/media/when-the-local-paper-shrank-these-journalists-started-an-alternative.html
“If local journalism manages to survive, give Evan Smith some credit for it” By Margaret Sullivan, The Washington Post, January 23, 2022 The Texas Tribune founder has been a “true pioneer” in finding ways to cover local communities as a non-profit. URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/01/23/media-sullivan-evan-smith-texas-tribune
“How New York City Is Saving Its Local News Outlets” By Sarah Bartlett and Julie Sandorf, The New York Times, May 20, 2021 Opinion piece explores measures being taken by New York City to support and preserve its local news outlets. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/20/opinion/newspapers-New-York-City.html
Disinformation & Media Challenges
“As local news dies, a pay for play network rises in its place” By Davey Alba and Jack Nicas, The New York Times, October 18, 2020 A nationwide operation of 1,300 local sites publishes coverage ordered up by Republican groups and corporate PR firms. URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/technology/timpone-local-news-metric-media.html
“The disinformation system that Trump unleashed will outlast him” By Margaret Sullivan, The Washington Post, November 22, 2020 What reality-based journalists must do about it. URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/media/trump-disinformation-journalism-next-steps/2020/11/20/6a634378-2ac8-11eb-92b7-6ef17b3fe3b4_story.html
Documentary
Endangered (2022)
This HBO documentary chronicles a year in the life of four journalists working in countries where freedom of the press is under threat.
URL: https://www.hbo.com/movies/endangered
JOURNALISM AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR
The National Association of Black Journalists
“A Reckoning Over Objectivity, Led by Black Journalists” By Wesley Lowery, The New York Times, June 23, 2020 URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/opinion/objectivity-black-journalists-coronavirus.html
“Inside the Tornado: The Swarthmorean, Writing About Race, and Me” By Rachel Pastan, June 13, 2021 URL: https://rpastan.medium.com/inside-the-tornado-a66f73c60ef7
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Full Circle Youth Empowerment
We at Full Circle Youth Empowerment Inc. are a team of highly trained professionals who believe in the resiliency of our youth who have therapeutic needs and have experienced many adversities in life. We strongly believe with our specialized services, the commitment of families, and the collaboration with our community providers, our youth will receive the necessary support to overcome challenges, improve their outcomes, and successfully transition into adults. (Bridgeport, CT)
URL: https://www.fcyecenter.org/
Partners for Youth Empowerment
Partners for Youth Empowerment’s (PYE) mission is to unleash the creative potential of young people. For 25 years, guided by this mission, PYE has been working to shift the field of youth work to respond to the deeper needs of young people for meaning, purpose, creativity, and connection. (Bolinas, CA)
URL: https://partnersforyouth.org/
TEACHING / CURRICULA
Digital Tool Box for Teaching and Scholarship
Curated by Brooklyn College Library, this guide presents openly available digital tools for education and research, with practical applications and project examples.
URL: https://libguides.brooklyn.cuny.edu/digitaltoolbox
National Writing Project (NWP)
A hub for educators seeking to improve writing and learning in classrooms. NWP provides professional development resources and innovative teaching practices. For almost 50 years, NWP teacher-leaders have developed and shared approaches to teaching writing that empower all young people as critical thinkers and confident creators.
URL: https://www.nwp.org/
Big Picture Learning
Big Picture Learning was established in 1995 with the sole mission of putting students directly at the center of their own learning. All students can and should live lives of their own design, supported by caring mentors and plentiful opportunities to achieve their greatest potential.
URL: https://www.bigpicture.org
ImBlaze (Big Picture Learning)
Big Picture Learning developed ImBlaze, a tool to help educators manage internship programs, making it easier to offer real-world learning opportunities at schools.
“Want to Offer Internships At Your School? A Tool To Make It Easier” by Katrina Schwartz, KQED Mind/Shift, October 22, 2018 https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52325/want-to-offer-internships-at-your-school-a-tool-to-make-it-easier
EdSurge
EdSurge reports on changes in education shaped by technological advancements, scientific research, demographic shifts, business interests and other socioeconomic forces.
Education-Reimagined
Across the country in rural, urban, and suburban spaces, transformational leaders are innovating with new ways of learning that put the learner at the center. Growing numbers of intrepid innovators are creating learning environments that adapt and adjust to meet the needs of each and every child.
URL: https://education-reimagined.org
XQ Institute
XQ Institute is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to rethinking the high school experience so that every student graduates ready to succeed in life.
URL: https://xqsuperschool.org
“Want to prepare youth for the workplace? Let them lead” https://xqsuperschool.org/rethinktogether/want-to-prepare-students-for-the-workforce-let-them-lead
Sir Ken Robinson – TED Talks on Education
Sir Ken Robinson was one of the world’s leading voices on education, creativity, and human potential. His work advocates for fundamental transformation in how we think about learning and schools.
“Do schools kill creativity?” TED2006 https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity
“Bring on the learning revolution!” TED2010https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_learning_revolution
“Sir Ken Robinson (still) wants an education revolution” The TED Interview, December 2018https://www.ted.com/talks/the_ted_interview_sir_ken_robinson_still_wants_an_education_revolution
Key Articles on Teaching & Learning
“Make Schools More Human” By Jal Mehta, The New York Times, December 23, 2020 “The fundamental job is to partner with families to raise successful human beings. The pandemic is helping many of us to think about our students in a fuller and more holistic way.” URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/23/opinion/covid-schools-vaccine.html
“America must embrace civics and history instruction for the sake of our democracy” By the Washington Post Editorial Board, March 2, 2021 URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/america-must-embrace-civics-and-history-instruction-for-the-sake-of-our-democracy/2021/03/02/b9814476-7877-11eb-9537-496158cc5fd9_story.html
“Massive investment in social studies and civics education proposed” By Joe Heim, The Washington Post, March 1, 2021 To address eroding trust in democratic institutions. URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/civics-social-studies-education-plan/2021/03/01/e245e34a-747f-11eb-9537-496158cc5fd9_story.html
The Influence of Teachers: Reflections on Teaching and Leadership By John Merrow, Jossey-Bass, 2011 A thought-provoking examination of teaching, leadership, and education reform from veteran education journalist John Merrow.
FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION
This section provides links to organizations and programs that align with the themes of nutrition education as discussed in “The Legacy of HarlemLIVE.” Youth media programs that incorporate food education teach students about community health, environmental justice, and food systems—all critical topics for community journalism.
Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education, & Policy
The Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education, & Policy at Teachers College, Columbia University, is dedicated to creating a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. They conduct research on school food policies, child nutrition, and food access, and translate their findings into actionable resources for educators, policy makers, and advocates.
URL: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/tisch/
FoodCorps
FoodCorps connects kids to healthy food in schools by providing hands-on lessons in gardening and cooking, promoting nutritious meals, and fostering a culture of health. Their mission is to create a future in which every school is a healthy school, and every child is well-nourished and ready to learn.
The Edible Schoolyard Project
The Edible Schoolyard Project supports kitchen and garden education in schools, aiming to develop a national curriculum for edible education and train educators. The project promotes a vision where children have a strong connection to their food and understand the importance of healthy eating.
URL: https://edibleschoolyard.org/
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)
CSPI advocates for safer and healthier foods. They conduct research and provide information on nutrition, food safety, and health, aiming to influence policies and practices that lead to improved public health outcomes.
National Farm to School Network
The National Farm to School Network works to increase access to local food and nutrition education to improve children’s health and strengthen local economies. They provide resources and support for farm to school programs across the country.
URL: https://www.farmtoschool.org/
“The Activists Working to Remake the Food System” By Ligaya Mishan, The New York Times, February 19, 2021 URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/t-magazine/food-security-activists.html
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Boston University, Center for Teaching & Learning
A comprehensive guide to experiential learning, providing valuable insights and strategies for incorporating hands-on experiences into education.
URL: https://www.bu.edu/ctl/guides/experiential-learning/
Association for Experiential Education
Discover the principles and practices of experiential education through this authoritative source fostering experiential learning excellence.
URL: https://www.aee.org/what-is-experiential-education
The City as School
Discover how experiential learning is central to The City as School’s educational approach in New York City, providing real-world learning opportunities to students through internships and community engagement.
ALTERNATIVES TO COLLEGE
Café Momentum
Café Momentum is a nationally recognized nonprofit restaurant and professional training facility. We create holistic, individualized plans for young people to begin addressing the issues they’ve had to confront throughout their lives. The Dallas-based organization transforms young lives by equipping justice-involved youth with life skills, education, and employment opportunities.
URL: https://cafemomentum.org/about/
“Why We Desperately Need to Bring Back Vocational Training in Schools” By Nicholas Wyman, Forbes, September 1, 2015 URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholaswyman/2015/09/01/why-we-desperately-need-to-bring-back-vocational-training-in-schools
“College Not for You? You Can Make The Same Amount of Money In Half The Time Doing This” By Michael Schneider, Inc. Somewhere down the road, trade schools got a bad rep. That perception needs to change. URL: https://www.inc.com/michael-schneider/college-not-for-you-you-can-make-same-amount-of-money-in-half-time-doing-this.html
RACE AND EDUCATION
“Beyond the game: We teach black boys sports are their only hope. What if we let them dream bigger?” By Martellus Bennett, The Washington Post, February 1, 2019 URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2019/02/01/feature/we-teach-black-boys-sports-are-their-only-hope-what-if-we-let-them-dream-bigger
“The Great Divide: Stop Holding Us Back” By Robert Balfanz, The New York Times, June 7, 2014 URL: https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/07/stop-holding-us-back
“From Struggling High Schooler to College Freshman” By Jessica Schnall, The New York Times, December 30, 2014 URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/31/nyregion/from-struggling-high-schooler-to-college-freshman.html
PARENTING
Many HarlemLIVE alumni are now parents themselves, navigating how to raise children with the same values of curiosity, critical thinking, and community engagement that defined their own development. These resources support the “free-range” parenting approach that allows children the independence necessary to develop resilience, creativity, and confidence—the same qualities that make strong journalists and engaged citizens.
Let Grow
Let Grow believes today’s kids are smarter and stronger than our culture gives them credit for. The organization provides resources, programs, and advocacy to help children develop independence and resilience.
URL: https://letgrow.org/
Books: https://letgrow.org/our-books/
“‘Let them be kids!’ Is ‘free-range’ parenting the key to healthier, happier children?” By Emine Saner, The Guardian, August 16, 2021 URL: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/aug/16/let-them-be-kids-is-free-range-parenting-the-key-to-healthier-happier-children
“How Parents Are Robbing their Children of Adulthood” By Claire Cain Miller and Jonah E. Bromwich, The New York Times, March 16, 2019 URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/style/snowplow-parenting-scandal.html
“The Anti-Helicopter Parent’s Plea: Let Kids Play” By Melanie Thernstrom, The New York Times, October 19, 2016 URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/23/magazine/the-anti-helicopter-parents-plea-let-kids-play.html
“What Happened to American Childhood?” By Kate Julian, The Atlantic, April 17, 2020 Too many kids show worrying signs of fragility from a very young age. Here’s what we can do about it. URL: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/05/childhood-in-an-anxious-age/609079/
“Utah’s ‘free-range parenting’ law said to be first in the nation” By Meagan Flynn, The Washington Post, March 28, 2018 URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/03/28/utahs-free-range-parenting-law-said-to-be-first-in-the-nation/
VOLUNTEERING
Grassroots Volunteering
Grassroots Volunteering is a resource connecting travelers to causes and communities in the places they travel. The site consists of a dual database of organizations all over the world.
URL: http://grassrootsvolunteering.org/
NEW URBANISM / WALKABLE CITIES / WAR ON CARS
Understanding urban design and walkability helps young journalists report more critically on their communities and envision better futures. HarlemLIVE recognized that the physical environment shapes opportunity—how youth navigate their neighborhoods affects access to education, jobs, and community resources. These resources informed HarlemLIVE’s approach to community-based reporting and help youth journalists analyze urban policy with informed perspectives.
Communities around the world are rethinking the reliance on the automobile, redesigning cities on a human scale that allows programs encouraging human interaction to thrive.
Congress for the New Urbanism
A planning and development approach that focuses on human-scaled urban design, based on the principles of how cities and towns have been built for centuries.
URL: https://www.cnu.org/
Walkable Cities (Project Drawdown)
An approach to city planning, design, and density that maximizes walking and minimizes driving, resulting in decreased emissions.
URL: https://drawdown.org/solutions/walkable-cities
Streetsblog
A resource for information on reducing dependence on cars and improving conditions for walking, biking, and transit.
URL: https://www.streetsblog.org/
Jeff Speck
Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time, has been recognized for his work in urban planning and promoting walkable communities.
URL: https://www.jeffspeck.com/
The War on Cars (Podcast)
A podcast that discusses the ongoing conflict between cars and the city and provides news and commentary on developments in the fight to undo the damage wrought by the automobile.
URL: https://thewaroncars.org/
Transportation Alternatives
An organization dedicated to promoting safe, equitable streets in New York City and working with communities in every borough to build a future that meets their needs.
URL: https://www.transalt.org/
Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile
By Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon, and Aaron Naparstek
A comprehensive examination of how car-dependent urban design shapes our communities and a vision for reimagining cities built for people rather than vehicles. Written by the hosts of The War on Cars podcast, this book explores how reducing automobile dominance creates healthier, more equitable, and more livable communities—essential context for youth journalists reporting on transportation, environmental justice, and urban policy.
“Why is ‘Walkability’ the New Must Have for Movers?” By Marisa Sanfilippo, MYMOVE, May 6, 2022 Describes the benefits of living in a walkable neighborhood, including increased social networks, and how to determine the walkability of a new neighborhood. URL: https://www.mymove.com/city-guides/walkability-new-must-movers/
“Inside the movement to remake America’s city streets” By Reis Thebault, The Washington Post, March 15, 2023 An article detailing the movement to remake city streets in America with a focus on pedestrian safety and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2023/pedestrian-safety-covid-pandemic/
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The evolving landscape of AI education for youth: As AI continues to permeate every facet of our lives and shape the future of technology and innovation, it is imperative for educators and youth to remain abreast of developments in this domain. AI tools are now integral to journalism and media creation, presenting both opportunities and ethical challenges. Youth journalists must learn to use AI responsibly as a reporting tool while maintaining critical awareness of its limitations and developing skills to identify AI-generated content.
AI Tools for Journalism & Media Creation
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
What it is: Advanced large language model capable of generating text, analyzing content, brainstorming ideas, and assisting with research and writing tasks.
Why it’s useful: Students can use ChatGPT for interview preparation, background research, outline development, and headline brainstorming—while learning to fact-check AI output and maintain original voice.
Best for: Research assistance; idea generation; editing support; Freemium
Cost: Free tier available; ChatGPT Plus $20/month
Ethical note: Requires clear policies on attribution, fact-checking AI output, and maintaining student voice.
Claude (Anthropic)
What it is: AI assistant designed for extended conversations and complex analysis, with strong capabilities in research synthesis and careful reasoning.
Why it’s useful: Particularly effective for analyzing long documents, synthesizing research from multiple sources, and providing detailed explanations of complex topics—valuable for investigative journalism education.
Best for: Document analysis; research synthesis; complex reporting projects; Freemium
URL: https://claude.ai
Cost: Free tier available; Claude Pro $20/month
Ethical note: Best used for research assistance and source organization, not content generation.
Gemini (Google)
What it is: Google’s multimodal AI assistant capable of processing and generating text, images, audio, and video, with deep integration into Google’s ecosystem of tools.
Why it’s useful: Students can analyze documents, images, and videos within a single conversation; seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Drive) that schools already use; strong at research synthesis and multilingual support. Particularly effective for multimedia journalism projects requiring analysis of visual content alongside text.
Best for: Research; multimedia analysis; schools using Google Workspace; Freemium
URL: https://gemini.google.com
Cost: Free tier available; Gemini Advanced $19.99/month (included with Google One AI Premium)
Ethical note: Like all AI tools, requires verification of generated content and clear policies on attribution and maintaining student voice. Integration with Google Workspace means students should understand data sharing within the Google ecosystem.
Perplexity AI
What it is: AI-powered search and research tool that provides sourced answers with citations to original content.
Why it’s useful: Unlike general chatbots, Perplexity provides citations, teaching students to trace information to primary sources; useful for rapid background research.
Best for: Research; fact-checking; finding sources; Freemium
URL: https://www.perplexity.ai
Cost: Free tier available; Pro $20/month
Otter.ai
What it is: AI-powered transcription service that converts interviews and meetings into searchable text in real-time.
Why it’s useful: Dramatically reduces time spent transcribing interviews; allows students to focus on interviewing skills rather than note-taking; searchable transcripts aid fact-checking.
Best for: Interview transcription; all programs; Freemium
URL: https://otter.ai
Cost: Free for 300 minutes/month; Pro $16.99/month for students
Grammarly
What it is: AI-powered writing assistant that checks grammar, style, tone, and clarity.
Why it’s useful: Helps students improve writing quality; provides explanations for corrections, teaching grammar in context; plagiarism detection.
Best for: All programs; writing instruction; Freemium
URL: https://www.grammarly.com
Cost: Free version available; Premium $12/month; Education discounts available
AI Literacy & Ethical Use
GPTZero
What it is: AI detection tool designed to identify AI-generated text, created by a student for educational use.
Why it’s useful: Helps educators verify student work; teaches students to recognize AI-generated content in their news consumption; understanding AI fingerprints.
Best for: Educators; teaching AI literacy; Free for education
URL: https://gptzero.me
Recommended AI Policy for Student Newsrooms:
Transparency: Always disclose when AI tools were used in reporting or production
Verification: Fact-check all AI-generated information against primary sources
Attribution: Credit AI tools used, similar to citing human sources
Original voice: Use AI for research and ideation, not to replace student voice and writing
Privacy: Never input confidential source information or personal data into AI tools
Source protection: Understand that AI conversations may not be private
Sample policy statement: “[Publication name] uses AI tools to enhance our journalism, not replace it. We use AI for research, transcription, and idea development. All facts are verified through traditional reporting. All writing reflects authentic student voice. AI assistance is disclosed when substantial.”
AI Education Programs
Google’s AI for Everyone (Coursera)
What it is: Free introductory course on AI fundamentals, taught by Andrew Ng, accessible to older teens without technical background.
Why it’s useful: Provides foundational understanding of how AI works; helps demystify technology; no programming required.
Best for: Advanced high school students; educators
URL: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone
MIT Media Lab’s Scratch + AI
What it is: Integration of AI and machine learning concepts into Scratch block-based programming platform.
Why it’s useful: Makes AI concepts accessible through familiar Scratch interface; hands-on learning; creates AI-powered projects.
Best for: Middle school and early high school; beginners
AI4ALL
What it is: Nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in AI through education programs for high school students.
Why it’s useful: Summer programs and educational resources specifically for underrepresented students; connects to college AI programs; free resources available.
Best for: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds
URL: https://ai-4-all.org
Machine Learning for Kids
What it is: Platform providing hands-on projects and resources to help children understand machine learning using block coding.
Why it’s useful: Makes ML concepts concrete through projects like training image classifiers or text analyzers; uses familiar Scratch-like interface.
Best for: Elementary through middle school; hands-on learners
URL: https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk
A TIMELESS CRITIQUE ON MEDIA’S IMPACT
“Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television” By Jerry Mander, William Morrow & Company, 1978
When I revisited Jerry Mander’s book in 2015, its title struck me as potentially outdated in our digital age. However, I quickly realized that its insights are even more pertinent now than when it was first published. This book profoundly changed how I view advertising, equipping me with a critical eye towards media consumption that has stayed with me ever since.
Jerry Mander’s Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television critically examines television’s role in society, focusing on its ability to distort reality, simplify communication, and encourage passive consumption. Originally published in 1978, this seminal work delves into the deep-seated impacts of visual media on individual autonomy and societal values. As we navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence, social media, and digital marketing, Mander’s exploration offers essential insights for understanding media influence on our perceptions and interactions, crucial for preserving democratic discourse and personal agency.
REFERENCES TO HARLEMLIVE IN BOOKS, RESEARCH PAPERS, AND WEBSITES
“Youth as E-Citizens: Engaging the Digital Generation” By Katina Montgomery, PhD, Barbara Gottlieb-Robles, and Gary O. Larson, PhD 2004, Center for Social Media, School of Communication, American University
HarlemLive is notable for the community spirit that infuses the writing and for enabling its participants to come to terms with many of the social, political, racial, and cultural issues that affect their lives.
URL: https://dra.american.edu/islandora/object/socialmediapubs:28/datastream/PDF/view
“Using Participatory Media and Public Voice to Encourage Civic Engagement” By Howard Rheingold, Stanford University, Communication Department, 2008, Aspen Institute
Another collaboration of teachers and students uses video to give Harlem youth a worldwide forum to highlight issues that matter to them. HarlemLIVE blog, “Harlem’s Youth Internet Publication,” directly addresses civic issues of interest to Harlem youth, and HarlemLIVE video produces and publishes teen-created videos about civic and cultural issues. HarlemLIVE “began in early 1996, at the beginning of the internet revolution, with just five students, one laptop, a digital camera, and an advisor.”
URL: https://www.issuelab.org/resources/881/881.pdf
“Online Content for Low-Income and Underserved Americans: A Strategic Audit of Activities and Opportunities”2000, The Children’s Partnership
HarlemLive (http://www.harlemlive.org/) is Harlem’s online publication by teens. Approximately 60 students from public high schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan develop and maintain this award-winning interactive journal about life issues for teenagers of color. On the Web site, one can read about events and happenings, poetry and memoirs, and view a gallery of photos. The aim of the site is to empower leaders to be caretakers of tomorrow by building a network of information from within the community. Harlem Live has been recognized nationally for its contributions to the online world of youth of color, receiving praise from international as well as national leaders.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Technology, Community, and Public Policy By Lisa J. Servon, 2008, Blackwell Publishing
Harlem Live was initiated in 1996 by Richard Calton. Calton had started a similar project from within a school but was frustrated by the limitations of being in a school setting. It was difficult to take the kids out of school without insurance being an issue, for example. Calton also recognized the benefits of working closely with very small groups of students, something that was very difficult in the context of the public schools.
Digital Generations: Children, Young People, and the New Media By David Buckingham and Rebekah Willet, 2003, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
Harlem-Live is an Internet-based youth publication launched in 1996. It has a close relationship with the Playing2Win community technology center in Harlem, which hosts the publication on its Web site and provides office and production space for the publication’s editorial team. Columbia University and a number of other local organizations provide additional support.
Technology and Social Inclusion: Rethinking the Digital Divide By Mark Warschauer, 2004, MIT Press
HarlemLive is a high-quality online publication, with general news reports, articles on community issues, arts and culture articles, photo galleries, a creative writing section, and a special women’s section. The publication thus provides current, topical information by and for the Harlem community. Equally important, HarlemLive has trained several hundred Harlem young people as journalists, photographers, media administrators, Webmasters, and public speakers. The publication thus serves as a focal point for young people to develop and showcase their technical and communication skills while they address issues of concern to the community and create original content that helps give the community voice.
Listening to Harlem: Gentrification, Community, and Business By David Maurrasse, 2014, Columbia University Press
Education and Technology: An Encyclopedia By Ann Kovalchick and Kara Dawson, 2004, ABC-CLIO
Technicolor: Race, Technology, and Everyday Life By Alondra Nelson, Thuy Link Nguyen Tu, and Alicia Headlam Hines, 2001, NYU Press
The African American Experience By Sandy Donovan, 2010, Lucent Books
Electronic Resources Librarianship and Management of Digital Information By Mark Jacobs, 2013, Routledge
“Community media and the politics of youth” First Monday Journal 8(11), 2003
Clearly one of the great potentials of the Web—and this enormous time of migration toward digital technologies—is in fostering new community content partnerships. What the Web affords is for everyone to be a producer and not just a passive consumer of the media. Youth in particular are extremely adept at using multimedia, as demonstrated by youth-directed media centers, such as HarlemLive in New York City and Street Level Youth in Chicago.
URL: https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/844/753