Are you a teen who loves to write? Are you interested in telling the stories of your community?

The Norwood News is running a free after-school journalism program for high school students. Learn how to be a journalist, beef up your writing skills, build self-confidence and make a difference in your community!

The next semester starts on Sept. 26. Classes will be held at Hostos Community College at 450 Grand Concourse on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6:15 p.m., and run for 12 weeks.

[Download the Application Now!]

During the semester, students learn the fundamentals of writing, reporting, and photojournalism through classroom instruction and hands-on reporting in their own neighborhoods. We take them on field trips – including inside a working newsroom. In addition to journalism skills, students will learn about community activism and civic responsibility, how their neighborhoods work (or don’t), who has power, who doesn’t and why. Guest speakers include working journalists and prominent local officials.

At the end of the semester, student work is published in a special youth supplement called Bronx Youth Heard, which appears in the Norwood News – giving youth a powerful voice in their own communities.

We are looking for students of all academic abilities, but they should be highly motivated, love to write, be naturally inquisitive, and care about what’s going on in their communities.

The program was founded in 2008. To read about an earlier semester, and students’ experiences, here’s an article that appeared in City Limits. And here’s a recent article that appeared in Bronx Ink.

Students who complete the course will receive a recommendation letter from our program coordinator. Depending on the school’s policy, there’s also the possibility of students earning class credit. Completing this class will look great on a college application or resume.

To apply, click here and download the application form. On a separate piece of paper, please also tell us about yourself, your academic and extra-curricular interests, and why you are applying to this program. Your essay should be around 400 words long and must be typed. Mail your completed application form and essay to Bronx Youth Heard, c/o Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Or fax to (718) 324-2917. The application deadline is Monday, September 23, 2013 by midnight. You can also email your application materials to us, at bronxyouthheard@gmail.com.

For more information about the program, please call Alex Kratz at (718) 324-4998, or e-mail bronxyouthheard@gmail.com.