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Supporting student journalism in Kansas

Our events

Fall Conferences

It’s like a national convention, but right here in the state of Kansas! Hear exceptional keynote speakers tell about their lives in media in journalism. Plus, choose from dozens of break-out sessions on every topic you can imagine!

2024 CONFERENCE DATES:
WSU fall conference – Sept. 23 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

KU fall conference – Oct. 2 8:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

FHSU fall conference – Oct. 7 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for DETAILS

Winter Workshops

This year’s Winter Workshop will be for advisers only. We have planned a full day of professional development that will give us time to delve into the new CTE curriculum updates involving journalism courses.

WHEN: February

HOSTS: KU, WSU, FHSU, PSU and more to come!

State Celebration

The KSPA calendar is filled with so many contests and critiques. This is the time to celebrate your success. Gather with student journalists and teacher from around the state to cheer on your staff. From Student Journalist of the Year to the Sweepstakes Winner from the State Contest, this event gives a shout out to all our winners!

WHEN: May 4, 2024

HOSTS: The University of Kansas

Our Contests

Regional Contests

The KSPA Regional Contests allow students to practice their skills, get feedback and earn awards. We offer categories for photographers, designers, writers, cartoonists, online journalists and videographers. Plus, students who place at Regionals can advance to the State Contest to earn points for their school and the Sweepstakes trophies. All contests will be virtual again this year.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Dec. 4: Regional Contest: Visual prompts posted

Jan. 16: Deadline: Regional Contest registration

Jan. 27: Regional Contest: Writing prompts posted

Jan. 30: Deadline: Regional Contest – Writing entries

Jan. 30: Deadline: Regional Contest – Visual entries

State Contests

The State Contest allows students to compete against the best student journalists in Kansas for a state championship. After advancing from the Regional Contest, students submit their best work, using our challenging prompts, and again get feedback from our judges. KSPA will total up all of the points and crown a state championship for each of the six school classifications. All contests will be virtual again this year.

IMPORTANT DATES:

March 7: State Contest: Visual prompts posted by this date

April 3: Deadline: State Contest registration 

April 7: State Contest: Writing prompts posted

April 10: Deadline: State Contest – Writing entries 

April 10: Deadline: State Contest – Visual entries

Providing support and leadership in scholastic journalism

The Kansas Scholastic Press Association is a non-profit organization composed of Kansas scholastic journalism students and their teachers. The organization is committed to excellence in journalism at all levels and views its focus as one of providing journalism education leadership for Kansas teachers and students. The KSPA provides a support system through its contests, conferences and scheduled activities.

Our Stories. Our Voices. Our Freedom.

Kansas students have extraordinary free expression rights, thanks to a landmark law passed in 1992. Students and teachers can learn about their rights and how the law was made in this documentary, produced by KSPA.

Watch it now.

 

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Our partner institutions