Investing in our future
The Wisconsin NewsMedia Association Foundation recognizes the importance of cultivating educated journalists and business leaders to become innovative advocates for the media industry. The WNA Foundation offers several programs and resources for students to help them excel in their careers.
High School
Earn some recognition for your publication in the WNA Foundation’s High School Better Newspaper Contest and get to know college and professional journalists.
College
Offering internships and the WNA’s Better Newspaper Contest to help develop our next generation of news pros.
Advisers
It takes a special person to be a teacher and lead a successful student news publication. Here are some helpful resources for Wisconsin’s student media advisers.
WNA Benefits Available to Academic Members
Online Media Campus – The Online Media Campus program provides free, accessible professional training for newspaper and news media professionals through online workshops and webinars led by experienced industry experts. It helps media professionals strengthen their skills and stay current with the rapidly changing demands of the news industry. While the homepage references a fee for sessions — all WNA members have FREE access to the full catalogue of Online Media Campus sessions and real time webinars.
Earn Your Press Pass – The Earn Your Press Pass program gives Wisconsin high school and college students hands-on opportunities to experience journalism by connecting them with professional news organizations and real-world reporting assignments. The program helps students build practical journalism skills, professional networks, and a pathway toward careers in news media.
WNA Legal Hotline – The WNA Legal Hotline, manned by the law firm of Godfrey & Kahn, provides WNA members access to timely legal guidance on issues affecting the news media, including First Amendment, open records, open meetings, and other publishing-related matters. Its purpose is to help Wisconsin newspapers identify legal concerns early and make informed decisions in protecting their journalistic and business interests. This service is available to academic advisors only.
Better Newspaper Contest – The WNA High School and College Better Newspaper Contest recognizes excellence in student journalism and celebrates the outstanding reporting, writing, design, and editorial work produced by Wisconsin student news organizations. It encourages high standards in journalism while giving student journalists meaningful recognition for their work.
Annual WNA Convention – The WNA Annual Convention provides Wisconsin high school and college journalists with free access to student-focused training, professional education sessions, and networking opportunities with working journalists and industry leaders. The WNA Foundation also hosts a complimentary Student Scholastic Luncheon, where winners of the Better Newspaper Contest are recognized and honored.
Upcoming WNA Events – All WNA events are open to students, Example, the WNA will hold six Zoom brown bag events beginning in September. Information on these sessions will be made available to the Student NewsMedia Association.
Journalist Resources – All journalist resources are available to students.
Customized Newspaper Advertising– Customized Newspaper Advertising (CNA) is the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association’s advertising network that allows Wisconsin newspapers to work together to offer advertisers broader geographic reach through coordinated, multi-newspaper advertising packages. For a participating collegiate newspaper, the benefit is straightforward: CNA brings additional advertising opportunities to the newspaper without requiring its sales staff to develop and manage the entire multi-market campaign themselves. The newspaper receives revenue for the advertising it runs while maintaining its local sales operation and relationship with its local advertisers.