Boston Global Youth Philanthropy (GYP) presents the annual GYP Youth Journalist Contest and Mentor Program — empowering young reporters with professional and college mentorship, practical training, and publication opportunities.
About the Program
GYP Youth Journalism program brings young reporters aged 13–25 into a year-long experience combining our annual Youth Journalist Contest with mentor-led training. Participants learn reporting techniques, ethics, and multimedia storytelling, and have the chance to publish work on GYP channels and partner outlets.
Annual Youth Journalist Contest
Open to youth ages 13–25. Submit written articles, multimedia packages, or short documentary pieces that highlight humanitarian, environmental, or civic topics.
Categories: Investigative Reporting, Feature Story, Photo Essay, Multimedia Package.
Divisions: Junior (13–17) and Senior (18–25).
Prizes: Publication, mentorship stipend, festival screening, and awards for excellence.
Submissions are reviewed by an editorial jury of professional journalists and college newsroom leaders.
Mentor Program — Professionals & College Students
Every contestant who qualifies for the semifinal round is paired with a mentor: seasoned journalists from newsrooms and faculty or student editors from college journalism programs.
Professional mentors provide industry perspective, editorial feedback, and career guidance. College student mentors offer peer-level support, technical coaching, and help with college newsroom practices. The structure includes a 6-week mentorship block with weekly check-ins, craft workshops, and editorial reviews.
Quick Facts
Who: Ages 13–25 worldwide
Cost: Free to apply
Region: Global entries welcome
Mentors
GYP pairs young reporters with working journalists (editors, reporters, photojournalists) and college newsroom leaders (faculty advisers, student editors). Mentors commit to an inclusive, feedback-forward approach and follow our mentorship best practices.
Apply
Complete the application form on our website and upload your files. After initial review, selected semifinalists will be contacted and matched with a mentor for revision and coaching.
Questions? Email: info@globalyouthphilanthropy.org
Boston Global Youth Philanthropy — Inspiring youth to tackle global challenges through journalism and humanitarian action.