Award Details
The Student Keystone Media Awards contest recognizes high school and college journalism that provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers. Any student at any public, private or parochial Pennsylvania high school, college or university who has had their material published in the school news publication may enter the contest. Students who have had their work published on a digital news site may enter the contest provided the site meets the criteria as outlined in the contest rules.
Check back soon for the 2027 Student Keystone Media Award Contest rules and categories!
Deadline to submit entries is January 22, 2027. Winners will be announced in early March and honored at the Student Keystone Media Awards Event on Wednesday, April 14, 2027, at the WITF Public Media Center, 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg (driving directions).
Judges’ tips for creating winning entries:
Be sure your articles include facts and no misinformation.
It is extremely important to follow AP Style as well as adhere to facts and correct details in your stories/entries. The AP Stylebook is available online and in print.
Students: Be sure to visit our Journalism Scholarships and Newsroom Internships pages, including the paid Summer Newsroom Internship Program, to see opportunities available for student journalists.
The PNA Foundation recognizes that student journalists do amazing work throughout the school year. It’s uplifting for anyone who cares about the news media industry to know that creative, committed and passionate students are excelling at what we love. Share your best work and have it showcased on our Student Journalism Projects Page.
Visit our Student Resources & Initiatives page to see the other great opportunities we offer.
Direct order plaques for your certificates through Present A Plaque. To get the same plaques we issue to our first-place winners in this contest, order the pocket plaques in black marble with frosted, non-glare acrylic item #FBPOCM81 (for a case of 10), or item #FBPOCM81S (for individual plaques). You’ll see a significant savings if ordering by the case. Plaque orders will be sent directly to you from Present A Plaque via FedEx (ground or 2-day delivery options available).
Questions? Email the PNA Foundation or phone 717-703-3003.
