The New Haven Student Journalism Project teaches public school students in grades 3-8 to be real journalists. It began in 2011 at Celentano School. In 2013, it moved to the East Rock Community & Cultural Studies Magnet School and came under the auspices of Yale’s Office of New Haven Affairs. Student journalists work in reporting teams with Yale mentors to produce The East Rock Record, which is published in print and online here at EastRockRecord.org.

NHSJP reporters cover the most important stories of the day. Reporters have taken on stories about Covid, remote school, politics, food security, gun violence, computer hacking, dating in middle school and TikTok.

Reporters have interviewed prominent leaders, including Mayor-Elect Justin Elicker two days after the election in his first press conference and FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia Ferrick. They have met street workers and food pantry organizers, police officers, public health experts, elections officials, and school department leaders. Reporters have hosted artists, including Pulitzer Prize Winning illustrator Michael Sloan, muralist Kwadwo Adae, filmmaker Phen Dest, the Long Wharf Theatre cast of Brownsville Song, the Yale Wiffenpoofs, and musician José Oyola. Before the pandemic, reporters traveled to the state Capitol in Hartford to interview lawmakers and visit the press room. Their opinion pieces cover subjects such as hot dogs vs. pizza and U.S. border policy.

The East Rock Record is a high-quality publication. But the real value comes from students learning to think, observe, and make meaning out of events and ideas. From brainstorming to publication, reporters lead the conversation. This project — like much in journalism — is about centering curiosity, asking questions, and communicating with others. We value social skills and civility. Each issue includes a publication party to celebrate with invited guests.