The MN Journalist of the Year competition is sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and recognizes the best student journalists from each state. The Minnesota winner receives a $600 scholarship from Journalism Educators of Minnesota (JEM), with runners up receiving $100-300 each. The website gives directions and tips, including many videos to help build your portfolio.
State winners are honored at the upcoming JEA/NSPA Spring Convention with national winners announced in Minneapolis Apr. 16-18, 2026. To encourage attendance and representation as our state hosts the national convention, the Minnesota winner’s national convention fee will be covered should they decide to attend. It is not a requirement that the state winner attend the national convention to receive the state honor and the scholarship, but their adviser does need to be a current JEA member.
MN Journalist of the Year portfolio / applications due to JEM by Feb. 13. The complete application includes:
- reporter information
- school / adviser information
- portfolio link
- transcript
- resume
- essay
- three letters of recommendation
Make sure to fill out the form prior to midnight on Feb. 13.
Note: there is no need to fill out the national form. That is only done once a first-place winner is announced.
If you have any questions please reach out to JEA State Director Rachel Chrest at rchrest@spectrumhighschool.org.