The Contra Costa Youth Journalism (CCYJ) program is designed to empower the next generation of storytellers.

Launched in early 2024, the program provides hands-on journalism training to high school students from school districts throughout Contra Costa County, with emphasis on underserved areas. By offering professional mentorship and technical training, CCYJ helps students find their voices and share the vital, often “lesser-known” stories of their own communities — all while gaining professional skills and building their portfolios. We hope to grow and serve more students with community support.

To learn how you can help support youth journalism, visit THIS DONATION PAGE  at Bay City News Foundation (BCNF), which is CCYJ’s fiscal sponsor.

BCNF Executive Director Katherine Ann Rowlands was recently interviewed about CCYJ on KTVU Fox 2 television.

CCYJ is a recipient of the 2025 Global Youth & News Media Prize for Journalism.

For more information regarding CCYJ, email Program Coordinator Bruce Koon at [email protected].