Communication Department Hosts Regional Journalism “Write Off” Competition
The Communication Department will co-host the Journalism Education Association's regional Write Off competition.
The event, set for Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bronco Student Center’s Ursa Minor, will bring together approximately 70 to 100 high school students from six to eight local schools to compete in journalism, photography, yearbook and other student media categories while engaging with faculty and students from the department.
This competition is part of the Eastern Los Angeles (ELA) chapter of the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and brings together member high schools from across Southern California. Students will compete in a variety of categories, including feature writing, news writing, sports writing, opinion writing, graphics and editorial cartoons.
The “Write Off” format requires students to complete timed assignments during the competition. Participants are given a simulated scenario to report on and may ask follow-up questions before submitting their work. Under competition rules, students complete their assignments using pen and paper without the use of phones or computers.
Submissions will be evaluated by a combination of high school educators, professional journalists and department faculty members. The judging process reflects the event’s emphasis on both academic preparation and professional journalism standards.
While judges review submissions, the department will partner with the Eastern LA JEA chapter to provide workshops and campus activities for visiting students. Student volunteers from public relations and communications studies programs will assist with event coordination and activities.
Planned programming includes a social media reel workshop led by the Poly Post marketing team and an editor's roundtable in the newsroom. Participants will also have the opportunity to take campus tours and visit the BRIC during scheduled breaks.
Hosting the Write Off provides an opportunity for the department to connect with local high schools, support journalism and public relations.
“It’s a competition for students interested in student media and communication related fields,” said Jason M. Turcotte, professor and department chair. “It’s also an opportunity for our department to share our expertise, engage with local high schools and students and introduce what we have to offer.”
For many students, the Write Off represents a chance to test their skills in a professional setting and connect with a broader journalism community. Events like this show the importance of programs within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, where strong communication and critical thinking skills are essential. By giving students a glimpse of college life and professional media work, the competition helps them take early steps toward their future studies and careers.