Thank you for your interest in applying or nominating for a JEA award. This homepage lists all award applications that are currently open. If you don't see the award you're looking for here, that means the application is not currently open. Please visit jea.org/awards to verify relevant dates for the specific award you are interested in.
To submit an award application, you must first create a Submittable account. This is not tied to your JEA member account, although we will verify current membership status for awards that require it. Through your Submittable account you will be able to complete the award submission form in stages and your progress is saved.
All parts of the award submission form must be completed by the award deadline to be eligible. Please visit jea.org/awards for more information. Questions can be directed to staff@jea.org.
The Journalism Education Association seeks to feature a student design on a commemorative poster promoting Scholastic Journalism Week and the 2026 SJW theme "Press Under Pressure"
Scholastic Journalism Week aims to elevate the profile of scholastic journalism through celebration, information and activism.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Poster size is 17×22 inches.
The poster should include the following text:
- Press Under Pressure
- Scholastic Journalism Week
- Feb. 23-27, 2026
Cost is $5 per entry.
Students can submit multiple entries.
Solo and team entries are accepted.
Entries may incorporate hand-drawn or digital art, photography, typography or other graphic elements. Minimal use of stock art is allowed. Any stock art or copyrighted material used in the design must be identified in the Entry Form. Failure to identify non-original material will result in disqualification. AI artwork will not be accepted.
The artist’s signature may be included in the design.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Students will upload a standard-resolution PDF image for the contest judging. The winning entry will then need to provide high-resolution, print-ready files and may be asked to make minor adjustments to the final design to meet JEA’s brand standards and poster printing requirements.
The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools within the United States.
GRAND PRIZE:
$500, plus design showcased on the Scholastic Journalism Week webpage, on the Scholastic Journalism Week commemorative poster and in additional promotions.
VISIT CONTEST PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION
This $1,000 annual award goes to a JEA member whose work has actively supported, defended, and fought for student journalists and their advisers on the local, state or national level.
Learn more about the application on JEA's website.
Note: Once the online application has been submitted, applicants should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact JEA headquarters at staff@jea.org to make sure your application was received.
DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. CDT Sept. 15
The H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year program is designed to honor outstanding secondary advisers and their exemplary work from the previous year, as well as throughout their careers. The top advisers will be named the H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year, Commended Yearbook Adviser, Distinguished Yearbook Adviser or Special Recognition Yearbook Adviser.
Learn more about Yearbook Adviser of the Year on JEA's website.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a member of the Journalism Education Association to be eligible for this award. The committee seeks those with at least five years’ experience. Advisers with less than five years experience are encouraged to apply for Rising Star Award.
Please review this PDF for details of what is required so you can work on the application in your own time.
The National Yearbook Adviser of the Year competition is underwritten by Balfour Yearbooks, Jostens Inc., Varsity Yearbook and Walsworth Yearbooks.
Note: Once the online application has been submitted, applicants should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact JEA headquarters at staff@jea.org to make sure your application was received.