High school journalism expands in NYC, backed by new city funding
The nation’s media industry might be shrinking , but high school journalism is making a comeback in New York City. In the 2025-26 school year, 135 schools across the five boroughs offered at least one journalism course, up from about 90 the year before, according to…
High school journalism is experiencing a resurgence in New York City, thanks in part to a new city funding boost. In the 2025-26 school year, 135 schools across the five boroughs offered journalism courses, marking a significant increase from about 90 schools the previous year. Nearly 5,700 students enrolled in journalism courses, representing a 76% rise compared to the prior year.
This expansion is largely credited to the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition's "Journalism for All" initiative, which received a substantial $280,000 funding injection from the City Council, with ratification expected on Thursday.
Eric Dinowitz, a Bronx City Council Member and Education Committee Chair, emphasized the value of journalism in developing critical thinking, clear communication, and accountability. He announced the investment just before holding a hearing on the state's plan to overhaul graduation requirements, including moving away from Regents exam requirements.
The coalition believes that journalism courses and involvement in school media outlets can help schools meet the demands of the state’s "portrait of a graduate," which emphasizes six key qualities, including effective communication, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Students who participate in journalism produce portfolios showcasing these skills, according to Madison James, a junior at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn.
James shared a story from her year-long project on class size policies at her school, highlighting how journalism fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and civic engagement.
The Youth Journalism Coalition has made equitable access to high school journalism a priority, leading to a 101% increase in the number of students with disabilities enrolled in journalism courses and a 107% rise in participation among English language learners. To support this growth, the coalition partnered with CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism to develop a curriculum and provide teacher training for schools lacking journalism programs.
The Journalism for All initiative piloted journalism courses in 30 public high schools, with $150,000 of the City Council funding allocated directly to these schools for launching or enhancing student news outlets.
The remaining funding will support the office of Supervising Superintendent Alan Cheng to expand high school journalism and The Bell, the coalition’s nonprofit parent organization, to continue administering the program.
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