A new mentorship program pairs students from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication with area high school students to learn journalism skills and produce a print and digital magazine. 

The Journalism University Mentorship Program (JUMP), a partnership between the SOJC and the nonprofit organizations Media Arts Institute and Lane Arts Council, grew out of a successful two-week summer journalism program for high school students.

During the fall, JUMP participants went to Allen Hall every Monday afternoon from North, South, Churchill and Sheldon high schools to learn reporting, interviewing, photography and page design.

Together they produced Cascadia Magazine, featuring student-produced stories, photography, layout and illustration. Topics covered in the first issue ranged from horror films and a local baseball hall of famer to policy changes in the 4J school district.

In addition to the opportunity for high school students to acquire skills, SOJC assistant professor and JUMP founder Ed Madison sees the program as a way for SOJC students to give back and connect with a new generation of journalists.

“I started in media when I was in high school, so I understand the value of being introduced to these skills at an early age,” Madison said. “At the same time, high school students need role models for what college is really all about.”

JUMP is also a source of data for Madison, whose research focuses on journalism in middle and high schools, particularly the way the discipline aligns with new Common Core State Standards in language arts.

“The new set of standards call for more use of nonfiction texts, for students to be college and career ready,” he said. “This is really a template for what can be done across the country.”

JUMP will be an ongoing program and Madison wants to open it up to students from more area high schools.

- from the UO School of Journalism and Communication