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 September 15thAmplify 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 10:30–12:00 pm | Journalism Basics Pitch your first story and walk out with a real assignment. |
Session 2 | Nov 1 10:30–12:00 pm | Copy, Layout + Creative Direction Write headlines & captions that pull readers in. |
Session 3 | Jan 24 10:30–12:00 pm | Podcasting + Public Speaking Record your voice and learn from a guest speaker from the field. |
Session 4 | Feb 28 10:30–12:00 pm | Newspaper Day Build the issue page by page, editor-style, and send it to press. |
Session 5 | April 11 10:30–12:00 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.
Carly Lindblad
Senior Editor
A Dos Pueblos Senior who is a second-year editor on the yearbook, she is deeply passionate about writing, storytelling, and student mentorship. When she isn't working on the next page spread, she loves tutoring younger students in their English classes and reporting on historic events around Santa Barbara.
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 September 15th
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