Getting Started with PSPA

The Philadelphia Student Press Association (PSPA) has officially launched — and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you into this new community! What started as an idea to better connect student journalists across the city has now grown into a citywide movement. PSPA is here to bring student newspapers, reporters, and storytellers together under one banner — to collaborate, learn, and amplify the voices shaping the next generation of journalism in Philadelphia.

Launching PSPA marks a turning point. For the first time, student-run publications across our region have a shared space to exchange ideas, pool resources, and build a stronger, more unified student press. Whether you’re part of a newsroom, an individual reporter, or a professional who believes in the power of student storytelling, this is your invitation to join us at the very beginning of something new.

For Student Publications

If you’re running a campus newspaper or media outlet, PSPA is here to help you grow and thrive. Joining means you’ll gain access to shared reporting resources, cross-campus collaboration, and a platform that helps bring your stories beyond your school walls and into the broader Philadelphia community.

Each member publication designates 1–2 student leaders (often editors) to serve as liaisons to PSPA. These liaisons ensure that every newsroom has a voice at the table — shaping our initiatives, contributing to decisions, and sparking citywide projects. The work your newsroom does matters, and PSPA wants to make sure it resonates across the city.

For Student Journalists

Maybe you’re a reporter chasing your first big story, a photographer capturing campus life, or a designer making the front page come alive. No matter your role, PSPA exists to support your journey.

The first step is simple: get involved with your campus publication. From there, PSPA opens the doors to a larger network. You’ll gain opportunities to:

• Participate in collaborative projects with students from other schools.

• Attend skill-building workshops and training sessions led by peers and professionals.

• Receive mentorship from journalists and editors across the city.

• Take part in citywide events that showcase student voices.

Being part of PSPA isn’t just about improving your craft — it’s about building connections that will last throughout your career.

For Professionals, Faculty, and Alumni

Student journalism doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It thrives when educators, professionals, and alumni lend their expertise and support. That’s where you come in.

By mentoring, hosting workshops, guest speaking, or even sponsoring programming, you can help shape the next generation of reporters and editors. Every contribution — whether it’s time, knowledge, or funding — strengthens the foundation of PSPA and ensures that student journalism in Philadelphia remains vibrant, sustainable, and impactful.

This is your chance to directly influence the future of the press in our city — while investing in young storytellers who will one day lead the industry.

Why PSPA Matters

The work we do together is about more than articles and headlines. It’s about giving Philadelphia’s students a stronger voice in the stories that shape our schools, neighborhoods, and city.

When we pool our resources and ideas, we make it possible to:

• Cover stories that no single campus newsroom could tackle alone.

• Amplify underrepresented perspectives.

• Build skills that empower students to succeed in media careers.

• Create a culture of collaboration and solidarity among young journalists.

PSPA is about making student journalism bigger, bolder, and more inclusive — because when student voices thrive, Philadelphia thrives.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. With PSPA officially launched, we’re excited to roll out our first round of meetings, workshops, and collaborative projects in the weeks ahead. You’ll see announcements here on our site, as well as opportunities to participate in events and initiatives designed for students, schools, and supporters alike.

The most exciting part? We’re building this together. Every story you pitch, every event you attend, every new member who joins — it all contributes to shaping the future of PSPA and strengthening the student press in Philadelphia.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re a student journalist, a campus newsroom, or a professional who believes in the power of student media, we invite you to step in and get involved. This is your chance to be part of something new, something collaborative, and something bigger than any one newsroom.

The Philadelphia Student Press Association is here — and we can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!