Are you interested in sharing your ideas? Do you love journalism, media, and writing?
Spark Young Voices
See your name in print this year.
A young writers program for motivated, creative students who have something to say. Work with professional editors, publish in a real newsletter, and finish the year holding an issue with your byline in it.
Apply Now — Applications Due August 25Amplify youth voices.
Create lasting change. Inspire others.
This program is real assignments, real editors, and a real audience. When your student's first draft comes back covered in an editor's notes, that's the moment they start being treated like a writer — feedback that builds the skills needed for amplifying change. Designed for 6th-9th graders
what you'll do
A real newsroom experience, built for young writers
- Pitch and write articles with deadlines, the way a newsroom works
- Create headlines and captions, learn layout tools.
- Learn tips to record a podcast and practice speaking so people lean in
- Interview one changemaker whose story deserves telling
- Build the newsletter itself on Newspaper Day — page by page, to press
- Publish in The Blaze with your own byline, and submit to a local paper if you choose
the schedule
Five Sundays, one byline
Five Sunday sessions plus your own one-on-one coaching session, scheduled around you.
| Session | Date & Time | What You'll Do |
|---|---|---|
Session 1 | Sept 27 3:30–5:00 pm | Journalism Basics Pitch your first story and walk out with a real assignment. |
Session 2 | Nov 1 3:30–5:00 pm | Copy, Layout + Creative Direction Write headlines & captions that pull readers in. |
Session 3 | Jan 24 3:30–5:00 pm | Podcasting + Public Speaking Record your voice and learn from a guest speaker from the field. |
Session 4 | Feb 28 3:30–5:00 pm | Newspaper Day Build the issue page by page, editor-style, and send it to press. |
Session 5 | April 11 3:30–5:00 pm | Publication Day! Hold the finished issue — guest speaker, awards, and celebration. |
1:1 Coaching | TBD Per student | Your Own Coaching Session Work directly with Jenny and a Junior Editor on your writing. |
meet your editors
Working writers, in your corner.
Jennifer Blaise Kramer
WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A writer and editor whose bylines span Architectural Digest, the Boston Globe, Condé Nast Traveler, and Santa Barbara Magazine. She holds a master's in journalism from Boston University and co-founded Riviera Essay Coaching, working with high school students on their personal statements. She knows firsthand that finding your voice on the page changes everything and she weaves together a deep love of storytelling into all of her pieces.
TBA
Senior Editor
Bio coming soon.
Connie Maday
Founder, Spark to Empower
A lifelong educator, Connie has spent more than two decades helping young people discover their voice, build confidence, and lead with purpose.
Students are also supported by Junior Editors — peers a few steps ahead who read drafts and give feedback.
Interested in becoming a senior editor? APPLY HERE
what it costs
And what it's worth
Here's what that covers
- 5 professional-led sessions (valued at $1,950)
- One-on-one writing coaching with a professional editor (valued at $250)
- Publication in The Blaze, plus optional submission to a local newspaper
- Free admission to all Spark to Empower events during your program year
- Writing notebook, snacks, and drinks at every session
is this you?
Is this program right for you?
It's a fit if you love writing, asking questions, or making things — and you're willing to revise when an editor pushes you.
It's not a fit if you're looking for a low-commitment activity: the byline in April belongs to the students who showed up in September.
No prior experience required. Open to all students grades 6-9.
how to apply
Applications due August 25
The form takes about 15 minutes and asks:
- 1.Name, grade, school, and age
- 2.Why are you interested in writing and media?
- 3.What would you like to gain from this program?
- 4.Tell us about a book or article you recently read and why it made an impact on you
- 5.Who is someone you'd consider a changemaker in the world, and why?
- 6.One piece of writing you're proud of (any genre, any length)
Questions first? Reach out — a real person answers. Contact us