The Contra Costa Youth Journalism program is launching a new season with an exciting opportunity for its high school student reporters: covering the prestigious Lesher Newsmakers Speaker Series, beginning Feb. 24.
With generous support from the Lesher Foundation to cover the series, student journalists will gain hands-on experience reporting on prominent figures, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and global changemakers. The first event of the Lesher Newsmakers Speaker Series will feature speaker Vicente Fox, humanitarian and former president of Mexico.
“As the Newsmakers Lesher Speakers celebrates its 20th Anniversary we are excited to have CCYJ join us,” said Devorah Levine, Lesher Foundation executive director. “The Lesher Foundation’s roots are in journalism and the speaker series was founded with the vision of encouraging civic engagement and the discussion of important issues. There is no better way to honor this vision and the community that supports the series than to partner with CCYJ.”
The program, fiscally sponsored by Bay City News Foundation, provides students — many from underserved schools — access to unique learning experiences that help build future careers in journalism.
“This opportunity allows young reporters to develop critical journalism skills while covering influential speakers,” said Kat Rowlands, Bay City News Foundation executive director. “By expanding their access to real-world reporting experiences, we’re helping shape the next generation of journalists.”
Student stories will be published on CCSpin.net and LocalNewsMatters.org, amplifying youth voices in local news. Recent coverage by CCYJ participants includes:
- “We Can’t Give Up Hope”: PBS News’ Woodruff Opines on How to Reunite a Polarized Nation by Loujain Habibi
- Hispanic Groups Share Their Culture Through Dance, Music Across Bay Area Communities by Emma Mayta Canales
- “An Increasing Phenomenon”: Violence on School Campuses Raises Safety Alarms in Bay Area by Caroline Donahoe
For more information about CCYJ and to support youth journalism, visit CCSpin.net. For more information on the Lesher Newsmakers Speaker Series or to purchase tickets, visit lesherspeakerseries.org.
About Bay City News Foundation
Bay City News Foundation is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to strengthening local journalism in the Bay Area. Through initiatives like the Contra Costa Youth Journalism program, it provides young reporters with training, mentorship, and publishing opportunities to ensure diverse voices are represented in the media.
About the Lesher Newsmakers Speaker Series
The Lesher Newsmakers Speaker Series is a premier platform for thought-provoking discussions, featuring renowned journalists, world leaders and influential voices across industries. Hosted at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, the series brings insightful dialogue on current events and global issues to Bay Area audiences.