The Florida Student News Watch develops young writers as environmentally-conscious journalists and researchers by pairing them one-on-one with professionals. All students are paid for their final work.
Tallahassee, FL – Dec. 20, 2024 – The Florida Student News Watch program, a pioneering student journalism initiative, is proud to announce its official status as a nonprofit organization. This milestone enables the program to accept donations and further its mission to cultivate the next generation of environmental journalists.
“We are thrilled to become a nonprofit organization,” said CD Davidson-Hiers, Board Director and Founder of the News Watch. “I am so incredibly proud of the students’ work, and being a part of this organization has brought me joy throughout the ups and downs of this profession.”
The program pairs students one-on-one with experienced professionals to report and write stories about the environment. These mentorships provide invaluable guidance and support, fostering a deep understanding of journalistic principles and environmental issues for students looking for experience within the profession.
”Working with the News Watch students has felt like a gift,” said Board Member Christian McMahon. “My students bring so much enthusiasm and energy for understanding our environment that guiding them towards a professional skill set has felt like the least I could do.”
Students produce a range of stories, from documenting changes in sea turtle migrations to following legislative bills during session, covering whale shark sightings in the Gulf of Mexico to digging through public records on bear-human interactions.
With its new nonprofit status, the Florida Student News Watch program aims to broaden its impact by offering more resources and opportunities to students across the state. Donations will directly support these initiatives, helping to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to take their first steps in the field of environmental journalism.
“Pathways to a career in environmental reporting shouldn’t be limited to students coming from journalism programs,” added board member Ashira Morris. “The News Watch is investing in the future of the field, and it’s exciting that folks can now invest in our work.”
The Florida Student News Watch program welcomes donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations who share a commitment to environmental education and journalism. Contributions can be made through the program’s website at www.StudentNewsWatch.org/donate.
For more information about the Florida Student News Watch program and how to support its mission, please visit www.StudentNewsWatch.org.
Board members are available for further comment.
About the Florida Student News Watch program:
The Florida Student News Watch program is a student journalism initiative based in Florida that focuses on environmental reporting. By pairing students with experienced professionals, the program aims to inspire and educate a next generation of environmental journalists. Now a nonprofit organization, the Florida Student News Watch program is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to students to develop their skills and contribute to meaningful environmental stories.
We thank the Florida State University Business Law Clinic, Richard Benham and his students for their support in the nonprofit filings process.
This is a sponsored message and does not necessarily represent the views of the Education Writers Association, its board of directors, or its members. Want to see your release on the EWA site? Promote it with EWA.
Your post will be on the website shortly.
We will get back to you shortly