The WOJ Youth Reporter Award Celebrates the Power of Young Voices

CONTACT:                                                                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santos Herrera
MY HERO FIlm Festival
Media Arts Education Program Director
[email protected]

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF YOUNG VOICES - THE WOJ YOUTH REPORTER AWARD

JULY 31, 2025 - LAGUNA BEACH, CA - The WOJ Youth Reporter Award celebrates the power of youth voices and the impact young people can have when they use storytelling to highlight those creating positive change. Founded by renowned media arts educator, journalist, and author Esther Wojcicki, this award invites students from elementary school through college to use film journalism to honor heroes in their communities. Whether it is a local activist, a mentor, or someone quietly making a difference, these stories deserve to be seen and heard.

WOJ Youth Reporter AwardMY HERONow more than ever, we need young voices that speak with heart, stories that spark hope, and storytellers who lead with empathy and purpose. This is an opportunity for students to develop their craft, raise awareness, and inspire others through the stories they tell.

If you know a student ready to share a powerful story, or an educator supporting youth creativity and civic engagement, please encourage them to participate..

Please see information below about this incredible recognition, film submission, and FilmFreeway fee student waiver.  

WOJ Youth Reporter Award Info

Film Submission link

Fee Waiver Code: MHIFF25
Prize Amount up to $2,000

Final Deadline: September 1, 2025

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For those educators interested in having students create short hero themed films please check out the
The MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook.
Written by film and journalism teacher, Jonah Steinhart
with an introduction from Esther Wojcicki

MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking WorkbookMY HERO 

For a free digital download click here for the MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook:
Go to checkout, then look for enter "discount code" at the bottom of the payment page.
Enter Discount Code: 2025Workbook!

This workbook is made possible with a grant from the Scripps Family Impact Fund to 
The MY HERO Project in support of our media arts education programs.