It’s time to BRING IT! Information about the 2025 Regional Contest is ready, including the prompts for the digital contests. 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. Click here to access the 2025 Regional Contest page.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Jan. 16: Deadline: Regional Contest registration,

Jan. 27: Regional Contest: Writing prompts posted

Jan. 30 by 5 p.m.: Deadline: Regional Contest – Writing entries,

Feb, 4 by 5 p.m.: Deadline: Regional Contest – Visual entries

Congratulations to the entries selected for the KSPA Fall Student Showcase. Take a moment to browse through the incredible work being done by Kansas student journalists from August to November. Thank you to the over 30 schools that participated in the showcase. 

Click HERE to see all the great work.

Start collecting entries for the Winter Student Showcase. Read more about the categories and how to enter here

KSPA is pleased to honor the 25 yearbooks that earned a 2024 All-Kansas rating, the highest available in the annual critique service program. Thirteen judges from across the country evaluated submissions from 51 schools across the state. These yearbooks were assessed for excellence in design, writing, photography, and overall presentation. Earning the prestigious All-Kansas Award is a distinction reserved for the most outstanding yearbooks. Click here to read more about the schools and yearbooks earning this honor.

KSPA is offering a special training session for educators to prepare for upcoming changes to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway impacting journalism and media classes in Kansas. This event replaces the traditional winter workshops and will equip teachers with essential resources and strategies. Click on our official February PD page for all the details.

When & Where?

• Feb. 19 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) – University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism
• Feb. 19 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) – Ulysses High School or board office
• Feb. 20 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) – Kansas State University
• Feb. 21 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) – Wichita State University
• Feb. 24 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) – De Soto Career & Technical Education Center
• Feb. 26 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) – Fort Hays State University

Join us to stay informed and strengthen your journalism program. Register Here.

Cost and Deadlines

All registrations include lunch. Registrations are final.

• Member Fee: $35
• Non-Member Fee: $80

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

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

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. Click on our official Regional Contest page to get all the details.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Dec. 4: Regional Contest: Visual prompts posted

Jan. 16: Deadline: Regional Contest registration

Jan. 27: Regional Contest: Writing prompts posted

Jan. 30 by 5 p.m.: Deadline: Regional Contest – Writing entries

Feb, 4 by 5 p.m.: Deadline: Regional Contest – Visual entries

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

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