The Student Press Law Center’s new strategic plan is our three-year roadmap to protect, strengthen and expand student journalism nationwide. Developed in close collaboration with our staff, Board and community of student journalists, advisers, educators and partners, this plan reflects both the urgency of this moment and the realities student journalists are facing today.
Why Now?
Student journalists are doing increasingly essential work in an environment that is becoming more hostile, complex and high-stakes.
Across the country:
- Censorship and political attacks on free expression are increasing
- AI and new technologies are reshaping journalism
- The definition of “student journalist” is evolving
- The local news crisis is making student journalists more essential than ever
At the same time, demand for the Student Press Law Center’s services is surging. In just two years, hotline requests rose 42% and training participation increased 53%.
SPLC is needed more than ever, and this strategy ensures we — and the community we serve — are ready to meet the challenges of our time.
The North Star of Our Strategy
For the next three years, we will continue to defend and advance the rights of student journalists, educating and empowering them as full and essential members of a well-functioning and free press.
Our Focus Areas
At the center of this strategic plan are student journalists and the advisers and educators who support them. The four strategic focus areas below reflect what we have heard from the field and where we believe our work can make the greatest difference in protecting and strengthening student journalism.
1. EQUIP
Equip Student Journalists, Advisers and Educators to Navigate Challenges
We will expand proactive education, outreach, resources and training so more students and educators can prevent and navigate challenges as they arise and before they become crises.
2. SCALE
Scale Impact To Meet Rising Demand
We will grow SPLC’s capacity, including exploring responsible uses of AI and expanding legal partnerships, to meet rising demand and strengthen our legal bench nationwide.
3. SUPPORT
Support The Acceleration of Student Reporting Programs
We will help accelerate new models of student reporting programs by serving as critical legal infrastructure and a key convener in this emerging space.
4. LEAD
Lead in Service of Student Journalism
We will expand communications and thought leadership to elevate student journalism’s value, grow public investment, strengthen New Voices efforts and clarify SPLC’s brand as the leading advocate for student press freedom.
Join Us
Defending and advancing student press freedom requires sustained commitment, and it cannot be done alone. Whether you are a student journalist, educator, partner, or advocate, you have a role to play in strengthening the future of student journalism.