Member Benefits

What our membership offers

Workshops & Training Sessions

Workshops and training sessions are conducted to enhance journalism skills, from writing and reporting to editing and multimedia production. These sessions are led by industry professionals and educators, offering hands-on learning experiences that empower students to excel in their roles.

Mentorship Programs

Mentorship initiatives connect experienced journalists with aspiring student journalists. Mentors offer guidance, career advice, and support, helping students navigate the industry's challenges and develop essential skills.

Contests & Awards

Arkansas Scholastic Press Association organizes contests and awards recognizing outstanding journalism achievements. Students can submit their work for evaluation, fostering healthy competition and acknowledging excellence in writing, photography, design, and more.

Scholarships & Grants

ASPA offers scholarships and grants to support students pursuing journalism or media-related studies in college. These financial incentives encourage talented students to continue their education and careers in journalism.

Advocacy for Scholastic Journalism

Advocacy efforts aim to promote the importance of scholastic journalism in education and society. Arkansas Scholastic Press Association advocates for student press freedom, funding for media programs, and recognition of the value of journalism education.

Credit: Megan Boyanton of Little Rock Central High School

Publication Advising & Feedback

Expert advisers provide guidance and feedback to student-run publications, including newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and online platforms. These advisers offer insights into improving content quality, design, and journalistic standards, helping students create impactful publications.

Networking Opportunities

Arkansas Scholastic Press Association facilitates networking opportunities, enabling students to connect with fellow journalists, media professionals, and educators. These connections provide valuable insights, potential collaboration, and a sense of belonging to a larger journalistic community.

Job & Internship Listings

Arkansas Scholastic Press Association offers job and internship listings to help students and recent graduates find opportunities in the media industry. This service assists in launching journalism careers and gaining real-world experience.

Online Resources & Curriculum Materials

A comprehensive collection of online resources, lesson plans, and curriculum materials are provided to educators and students. These resources cover journalism ethics, media law, investigative reporting, digital storytelling, and multimedia production, ensuring a well-rounded education in scholastic journalism.

State Conventions

ASPA organizes annual state conventions that bring together student journalists, educators, and media professionals. These events feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, fostering knowledge exchange and inspiration.

Support for Advisers & Educators

Arkansas Scholastic Press Association provides resources and support tailored to journalism educators and advisers. This includes professional development opportunities, best practices, and collaboration with peers in the field.

Legal & Ethical Guidance

Guiding media law and ethics is a crucial service. Arkansas Scholastic Press Association offers resources to help students understand their rights and responsibilities as journalists, promoting responsible and ethical reporting.