![Participants in the Spring 2011 semester of JSR smile in this file photo. Many of these students moved on to top-tier universities upon graduation. [Korea Daily]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/JSR_Nov08_JSRalums.jpg)
This will be the 13th semester of JSR, an extracurricular journalism program for students in grades 9-12. The Korea Daily is the most-read Korean newspaper in the US, and the weekly JSR section is the only part of the Korea Daily written by and for second generation Korean Americans. It is also the only section of the Korea Daily presented in English.
But JSR is far more than a journalism program. According to student editor Seo Jin Lee, “JSR isn’t solely about how to become a successful writer. I’ve gained experiences, insight, and skills that are useful in social settings and the classroom… JSR teaches students how to be more resourceful and reach out with new forms of journalism.”
She continues, “I’ve found my voice through journalism. I am indebted to this program for allowing me to realize matters of utmost importance to me.”
Indeed, one thing that sets JSR apart from programs like school newspapers is that it allows students to explore their own passions and interests by choosing their own topics and developing them with the help of our dedicated program coordinator, Geoff Geis, and a team of veteran student editors who provide hands-on guidance throughout the program.
With this hands-on guidance, students gain skills including leadership, analysis, cooperation, and citizenship that help them both in school and in their professional careers. Over the semester, each student is assigned to a small group led by an experienced student editor who acts as a mentor during the planning, researching, writing, and revising of a piece of original journalism every three weeks. You can see the results here and on the next two pages.
Groups also work together on a community-oriented group project each session.
The program takes advantage of cloud computing technology, which is increasingly common in colleges and the workplace, to facilitate collaboration. Additionally, it provides several opportunities for students to meet in-person with the program coordinator and their peers. Students are given the chance to participate in special event coverage or workshops with guest speakers such as longtime KoreAM editor-in-chief Julie Ha, Alex Cohen, the morning anchor at KPCC 89.3 FM, and influential blogger Phil Yu of Angry Asian Man. Additionally, the program features occasional field trips to places like the LA Times, the OC Register, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, and USC’s Daily Trojan.
JSR also help students plan for the future by working with them on applying for collegiate journalism programs and scholarships. Graduates of the program now attend universities including Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton, and Yale, and members of the program have been accepted to such selective programs as the Princeton Summer Journalism Program and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State. In the new year, the JSR coordinators will expand the program to connect students with internship opportunities at partner organizations throughout Southern California.
Although JSR is based in California, it is open to students all around the world. The admission fees are $500 for new students and $350 for continuing students. Application forms can be accessed at jstudentboard.com/reporter/join-jsr/ and must be submitted by Monday, December 29, 2014.
