The Long Beach Post and KLBP radio (both 501(c)(3) nonprofits) are launching a pilot youth fellowship program this fall, with a focus on providing factual and engaging information ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
In early September we are launching a new fellowship program that will include 3-5 college students, with potential to reach up to 10 in subsequent years, including possible expansion to the high school level. The program will include roughly two weeks of structured training, projects and assignments with working journalists and editors, and dedicated time to produce original content that will help voters this fall.
The program is specifically targeting young voters in areas and demographics that traditionally have the lowest turnout and participation in local democracy.
The program
The program will run through the end of November 2024. We are recruiting the initial cohort now, with assistance from the instructor who coordinates student internships at Cal State Long Beach. These will be unpaid positions, but upon successful completion, participants will earn a course (or 3 credits) toward their degree.
The students will produce a range of materials to include content on radio, video and photos in Spanish and English on pre-selected ballot measures that will be before voters on Nov. 5:
- A Long Beach city measure that would tax power plants
- A Long Beach City College bond to pay nearly $1 billion in facility upgrades
- A county sales tax measure that expected to raise billions for homeless housing
The students will also produce general voter materials and explainer materials, such as how to register to vote, how to find credible information on candidates, and where and when to look for election results.
How you can help
Our goal is to raise $25,000 in donations through Sept. 19, during Long Beach Gives — a citywide fundraising effort.
The funds will pay for staff time, equipment and technology, marketing, printing and other expenses.
Help the Long Beach Post reach its goal of raising $25,000 to support election coverage.
You can also set up a recurring donation here to help pay for investigative journalism, features and community events.
PARTNERSHIPS
We are also seeking a range of partnerships, including voter and civic literacy advocacy groups; individual donors; and foundations. We are not seeking corporate sponsorships for this program, nor are we soliciting or accepting gifts from any groups or individuals that are political in nature (no candidates, PACs). We want to keep this program free from any conflicts of interest, or the appearance of conflicts.
Partnership opportunities:
- A $2,500 sponsorship that includes logo recognition and brand acknowledgement (our audience includes 44,000 email subscribers, 285,000 unique website visitors monthly and 230,000 followers on social media, including 120K-plus on Instagram).
- Lending expertise, training, facilities and awareness campaigns.
For information about partnering with us, email Melissa Evans, CEO, at melissa@lbpost.com