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PBS News Student Reporting Labs: Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I get involved with Student Reporting Labs?

Educators are encouraged to sign up for StoryMaker and use ready-made lesson plans, projects, and prompts in their classrooms. Educators can contact SRL with questions and join groups to meet others engaged in youth media. Learn more about how to work with Student Reporting Labs this school year here.

Students are also encouraged to sign up for StoryMaker to strengthen their skills and lookout for opportunities to pitch stories, apply for journalism academies, and collaborate with SRL.

What is the difference between StoryMaker and Student Reporting Labs?

PBS News Student Reporting Labs (SRL) has been supporting teachers and students to produce unique video stories since 2009. The program creates transformative educational experiences through video and audio journalism that inspire students to find their voice and engage in their communities. StoryMaker is an online learning platform that brings free projects, lesson plans, and storytelling resources to as many students, educators, schools, and communities as possible.

Select student stories produced and submitted through StoryMaker may be featured on national or local news outlets, podcasts, or social media — including the PBS News Hour’s nightly broadcast and digital platforms.

How do Student Reporting Labs staff decide what to publish?

SRL considers story pitches that have potential for a national audience, great characters and thorough research. Stories must also meet editorial and technical guidelines.Learn more about pitching to SRL.

Due to the volume of submissions, SRL cannot guarantee publication. If your story is selected, a member of the SRL team will reach out to you directly.

How can I stay connected to SRL and PBS SoCal?

There are lots of ways to stay up to date:

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