PSPA at CollegeFest 2025!

Amplifying Student Voices

This past weekend, the Philadelphia Student Press Association (PSPA) had the exciting opportunity to host a booth at CollegeFest 2025, one of the region’s largest gatherings of students, organizations, and community partners. The event was buzzing with energy, and we were proud to represent student journalism in Philadelphia among so many incredible campus and citywide groups.

Connecting With the Community

Throughout the day, our booth drew a steady stream of students curious about PSPA’s mission and eager to learn how they could get involved. We had a chance to share who we are, what we stand for, and how we’re working to unite student newspapers across the city to elevate campus journalism. It was inspiring to meet so many students who are passionate about storytelling, civic engagement, and amplifying their peers’ voices.

We were honored to have Founder Jackson Juzang and Communications Lead Claire Herquet on hand to represent PSPA! They connected directly with students, professors, and community members, sparking conversations about the role of student journalism in Philadelphia’s civic and cultural life.

Our Engagement Board: "What Should Student Journalists Report On?"

One of the highlights of our booth was our Engagement Board. We asked attendees to respond to the question:

“What do you want to see student journalists report on?”

Students wrote their answers on sticky notes and placed them on the board—by the end of the day, we had collected over 130 responses, sparking an eye-opening display of collective ideas and concerns. The responses were thoughtful, wide-ranging, and deeply relevant to both campus and city life. Some of the most popular themes included:

• The SEPTA strike and its impact on students and workers

• Women’s health and rights

• Healthcare access and equity

• Education policy and funding

• Mental health resources and awareness

• Global conflicts and their local ripple effects

The activity sparked great conversations about the importance of student-driven reporting and the need for coverage that extends beyond campus borders. It reaffirmed our mission: student journalism is not only about documenting campus life, but also about connecting students to the broader social, political, and cultural issues shaping Philadelphia and the world.

Why It Matters

Our presence at CollegeFest showed us once again why PSPA exists: student voices matter. College newspapers are often the first newsroom experience for the journalists, editors, and media leaders of tomorrow. By working together, we’re building a coalition that not only strengthens campus publications but also positions students to contribute meaningfully to Philadelphia’s journalistic ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

The excitement and ideas shared at CollegeFest will help shape the year ahead for PSPA. We’re continuing to grow our coalition, build partnerships with local media professionals, and create opportunities for students to collaborate across campuses. Most importantly, we’re committed to supporting student reporters as they cover the stories that matter most—to their peers, to the city, and to the future of journalism.

We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared their thoughts, and joined the conversation. Together, we’re proving that student journalism in Philadelphia is not just alive... it’s thriving!