The Young Independent Journalism Association (YIJA) is a group founded by Penny Coleman in 2026. She felt that her community was lacking journalistic opportunity and wanted to make a difference. She wanted to ensure that middle school students were gaining from this, so she asked questions of the mentors around her of how she could improve her presentations and lessons.
About us
Our Mission
It is our goal to ensure that even the youngest of students understand why independent journalism is imperative now more than ever. With AI on the rise and biased news sources feeding kids false media, YIJA teaches students how to distinguish fair sources, improve their communication skills, and gift them the opportunity to pursue every aspect of journalism. YIJA is more than just a club and more than a collaboration. It is the education that will shape the next generation of critical thinkers and world leaders.
Meet our leadership
Penny Coleman
PRESIDENT
Grace Mosconi
VICE PRESIDENT
Stella Dorssom
SERCRETARY
Kyla Meikle
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Thurston Saint Onge
CO-SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR
Tessa Sanders
CO-SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR
Harper Finck
CO-WEBSITE MANAGER
Claire Lindemyer
CO-WEBSITE MANAGER