PSPA Awarded $15,000 Grant from the Lenfest Institute for Journalism to Support 2027 Journalism Summit

The Philadelphia Student Press Association (PSPA) is proud to share that we have been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Lenfest Institute for Journalism in support of our 2027 PSPA Journalism Summit. This grant represents a meaningful investment in student journalism across Philadelphia and will directly enhance our ability to serve young reporters, editors, and media creators throughout the city.

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting and sustaining local journalism. Through funding, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Lenfest works to strengthen news ecosystems and ensure communities have access to reliable, impactful reporting. Their decision to invest in PSPA’s work reflects a shared commitment to uplifting the next generation of journalists and reinforcing the importance of strong, community-centered media.

This grant is specifically designated for the 2027 PSPA Journalism Summit, our flagship annual event that brings together student journalists, educators, and industry professionals from across the region. The summit has become a cornerstone of our programming, offering a space where students can learn directly from working journalists, build their skills, and connect with peers who share a passion for storytelling and reporting.

With support from the Lenfest Institute, we are planning to expand the 2027 Summit in several key ways. The grant will allow us to bring in a broader range of speakers from across the journalism industry, increase the number of interactive workshops focused on areas like digital media, investigative reporting, and multimedia storytelling, and enhance the overall experience for attendees. Just as importantly, this funding will help us keep the summit accessible to as many students as possible, reducing financial barriers and ensuring that opportunity is not limited by resources.

At a time when the future of local journalism is being actively reshaped, student journalists are playing an increasingly important role. From covering their schools and neighborhoods to elevating stories that might otherwise go untold, these young reporters are contributing to the civic fabric of their communities in real and meaningful ways. Investments like this grant help ensure they have the tools, training, and support needed to continue that work.

PSPA Founder Jackson Juzang reflected on the significance of this support:

“I’m beyond grateful to the Lenfest Institute of journalism on their gift to the Philadelphia Student Press Association. Not only does Lenfest gift show their dedication to student journalism citywide, but this serves as a testament to the importance of the civic infrastructure that student journalists give day in and day out.”

As we look ahead to the 2027 PSPA Journalism Summit, this grant will play a critical role in shaping what we are able to offer and who we are able to reach. We are incredibly thankful to the Lenfest Institute for Journalism for their belief in our mission and their investment in the future of student journalism in Philadelphia.