FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com
Chicago 2024 Host Committee Announces Largest Youth Press Corps in Convention History
Chicago, IL — Today, the Chicago 2024 Host Committee announced that ten high schools from across the state of Illinois will participate in the Illinois Youth Press Corps. More than forty student journalists will be fully credentialed to report on the 2024 Democratic National Convention, making the Illinois Youth Press Corps the most robust youth coverage opportunity in convention history.
The Host Committee worked with the Illinois Journalism Education Association to identify exceptional student journalists across the state and provide them with convention coverage opportunities. Students from Niles West High School, University of Chicago Laboratory High School, O’Fallon Township High School, Christ the King Jesuit College Prep High School, Kaneland High School, Walter Payton College Prep, Naperville Central High School, Thornwood High School, Metea Valley High School, and West Chicago Community High School have been fully credentialed to attend the convention and report inside the United Center and McCormick Place. The National Journalism Education Association will also work with students across the country to support virtual coverage opportunities for students outside of Illinois.
“IJEA is thrilled to be partnering with the DNC to provide what we know will be a life-changing opportunity for over 40 student journalists from around Illinois,” said Illinois Journalism Education Association President Keith Carlson. “We are particularly grateful that our student journalists are being granted the same opportunities as members of the professional media and excited to support them in providing coverage of our government in action for their communities and from their unique perspectives as younger journalists.”
“Empowering young journalists is crucial for our future,” said Host Committee Executive Director Christy George. “By providing young people with these unforgettable opportunities, we can ensure that the next generation is ready to shape a brighter, more informed city and state. Together, we can build an Illinois where every voice is heard, and every story is told.”
Students in the program will also have the opportunity to tour Chicago Public Media, home to WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times, and meet with key editors and reporters. Students will also receive feedback on their pieces by editors and have the chance to interview professional journalists at the organization.
“We’re excited to welcome the students to our offices,” said WBEZ Senior Director of Audience Development Victor Lim. “Our team is inspired by these young journalists’ dedication and we hope that we can enrich their experience by meeting our team.”
The Illinois Youth Press Corps is part of the Host Committee’s sustained efforts to engage young people in the convention and civic life. The Host Committee formed a Youth Advisory Council earlier this year, composed of 17 youth-serving organizations, to provide feedback and recommendations on youth engagement. The council assisted with recruiting volunteers, and successfully registered volunteers as young as sixteen years of age to work at the convention. Youth Advisory Council members will also participate in a Chicago Youth Mock Convention hosted by Chicago Urban League, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, BOWA Gives, and Mikva Challenge, with financial support provided by the Chicago 2024 Host Committee. Additionally, the council advised on the Host Committee’s “Welcome to Chicago” High School Art Competition.