Students work with area nonprofit agencies

The SCSU Journalism Department worked with New Haven area nonprofits in 2019 and 2020, using journalistic skills to help the agencies inform the public about their work.

Students enrolled in the Journalism Capstone course in fall 2019 and fall 2020 created in-depth video projects on topics including the foster care system, New Haven neighborhoods, a new community equity committee and literacy efforts.

Ken Sandberg, Vice President of Lifestyle Service for Whitney Center in Hamden, being interviewed by Ana Agraja and Matt Araujo at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Sept. 18 2020. (Jossinet Ramos Vera)

The course puts the students’ journalism skills to the test, and introduces them to potential public relations jobs. The class adds to the existing offerings of PR classes offered at Southern, as part of the new Public Relations minor.

2019 Partners

  • Chapel Haven
  • Children’s Community Programs
  • The Diaper Bank
  • Ethnic Heritage Center’s Walk New Haven tours

2020 Partners

  • Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven
  • TEAM Inc.’s Unity in the Community Committee
  • Valley United Way

The Work

The agencies have been able to share the work on their websites, in newsletters and brochures, and on social media accounts, as shown below.

In addition to video stories, the students created written articles, social media campaigns and timelines for the agencies.

The collaboration has resulted in three follow-up internships for the students, who continued working with select agencies.