All six Jackson public high schools chosen for statewide initiative to expand journalism education
JANS – Jackson Public Schools has taken a major step in preparing future journalists and civic leaders.
The capital city’s six public high schools – Callaway, Forest Hill, Jim Hill, Lanier, Murrah, and Provine – were selected for the inaugural cohort of the Mississippi High School Journalism Project, a statewide effort to revitalize journalism education.
Led by The Bell and funded by Press Forward Mississippi, this new initiative will establish credit-bearing journalism classes and student newsrooms in 18 public high schools across the state, closing a critical gap in media access and civic education.
“We’re thrilled to see statewide excitement for student journalism,” said Taylor McGraw, co-founder and executive director of The Bell, a New York City-based nonprofit that opened a Jackson office last year. “The fact that every public high school student in Jackson will now have access to a journalism course is a huge win for the city and the entire state.”
While Mississippi boasts a rich literary and journalistic history, currently less than 15% of the state’s 500 public and private high schools participate in the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association (MSPA). The Bell is working to bridge this divide in cities from the Delta to the Coast.
Each participating school identified one or more teachers to lead a credit-bearing journalism course starting next school year. This summer, those educators will gather at the University of Mississippi for a four-day intensive training, where The Bell and MSPA are joining forces to provide the curriculum and pedagogical tools necessary to lead a high-impact school journalism program.
“Being a part of this cohort will not only give me information and instructional strategies to teach the skills needed for journalism, but it will also help me inspire students who may want to become journalists or who like to write and speak, but do not have a structured outlet to show their talents,” said Tracee Thompson, an English teacher at Jim Hill High School.
For Murrah High School teacher Kaitlyn Fowler, this is a full-circle moment: She served on the Murrah newspaper staff as a student.
“I am ecstatic to be a part of the first cohort for this journalism initiative,” Fowler said. “Journalism was an important part of my high school experience and helped shape who I am today. I am eager to provide the same opportunity and experience to my students.”
Through The Bell, cohort members will receive ongoing professional development and curriculum support. Additionally, participating schools will receive two years of complimentary MSPA membership, providing access to statewide conferences, instructional resources, awards competitions, mentorship, and a subscription to the Journalism Education Association.
The project is made possible by Press Forward Mississippi, one of 44 local chapters of a national, non-partisan network of funders working to ensure communities stay informed and engaged. By investing in the next generation, Press Forward Mississippi aims to grow the pipeline of future journalists while equipping all students with vital communication skills and media literacy.
“Quality local news is an essential ingredient for building strong communities,” said Mike Claiborne, CEO of the CREATE Foundation and lead funder for Press Forward Mississippi. “As technology continues to change, we know that the future of local news will look different than the past. Mississippi’s young people will shape that future, and our goal is to equip more of our youth to take part.”
As these schools prepare to launch new journalism courses, Press Forward Mississippi is inviting local sponsors to join the movement by helping fund teacher training or equipping classrooms with the technology needed for modern storytelling. Visit pressforwardms.org for more information.
