20th RJI Student Innovation Competition open for entries

20th RJI Student Innovation Competition open for entries: the Reynolds Journalism Institute, based at the Missouri School of Journalism, challenges teams of 1–4 students at any U.S. college or university, including at least one journalism or communication student, to devise merchandise a local news organization can sell for fundraising, marketing and community engagement. Entries are due Sept. 13, 2026; the new semester-length competition runs through early December, when an independent panel of industry professionals determines winners of $10,000, $2,500 and $1,000 prizes for first, second and third place. Inspired by merchandise such as The New Yorker’s tote bags, RJI seeks fresh, community-centered ideas; past winners developed text-messaging, story-tracking and newsroom–influencer connection tools; innovation director Kat Duncan hosts a live Zoom Q&A Wednesday, Aug. 19—contact duncank@rjionline.org or learn more and enter at https://rjionline.org/studentinnovationcompetition/.

Hosted with: Psychedelic Writers Guild