Tools for the field

Source Vault

A curated collection of tools, opportunities, and guides that help middle and high school students turn learning into action.

Students exploring a landscape by the water

Beyond the classroom

Find the next place your reporting can go.

From publishing platforms to real-world opportunities, the Source Vault is built for students ready to practice, share, and lead.

01

Share your work with the world

Publishing & Competitions

Explore resources
  • The New York Times Student Learning Network
  • PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs
  • Start your own Substack or blog
  • School newspaper and independent publications
02

Step into the field

Internships & Real-World Experience

Explore resources
  • How to cold email a local newsroom
  • Outreach email template for editors and journalists
  • Local newspapers, community media, and online publications
  • Community radio stations and nonprofit media organizations

Many journalism opportunities are not advertised. Learning how to reach out is a key reporting skill.

03

Report with evidence

Civic Journalism Tools

Explore resources
  • FOIA request templates
  • Media literacy checklist
04

Create the platform

Build Your Own School Media

Explore resources
  • How to start a school newspaper
  • Team structure: editor, writer, designer
  • Editorial workflow guide
  • Publishing schedule template