Vol. I — Paly Media Arts Center — April 25, 2026
Palo Alto Youth
Journalism
Convention
An educational event at Paly's Media Arts Center where 4th–8th graders explore journalism firsthand. Learning the basics of AP style writing, photography, broadcasting, and design from students at the best high school journalism program in the United States.
Register Now →When
Saturday, April 25
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where
Paly MAC
Media Arts Center
Who
Grades 4–8
PAUSD Students
What to Expect
The perfect introduction to journalism for interested PAUSD students
PAYJC is a half-day convention organized by Paly's journalism program. Students rotate through workshops covering news writing, photojournalism, video production, magazine design, and more — each led by experienced high school student journalists.
The event gives younger students early exposure to the Media Arts program at Paly and a chance to see what student journalism looks like in practice. It's a low-commitment way to find out if your child is interested before signing up for the full Camp MACexperience this summer.
Publications
Publications from Paly and Gunn participate
Students will interact with staff from C Magazine, The Campanile, Viking, Paly Voice, InFocus, Incubator, Verde, Madrono, and The Gunn Oracle to learn what each publication covers and how they operate.
What's Included
T-shirt, lunch, reporter's notebook, and press pass
$10 registration covers everything: a PAYJC t-shirt, pizza lunch, a reporter's notebook, and a junior journalist press pass.
Schedule
Saturday,
April 25th
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Paly Media Arts Center
Check-in Opens
Grab your lanyard & t-shirt
Opening Ceremony
Welcome & introductions
Workshop Block 1
Hands-on journalism session
Workshop Block 2
Hands-on journalism session
Pizza & Publication Fair
Eat, explore, ask questions
Closing & Camp MAC Info
Wrap-up and next steps
Dismissal
See you at Camp MAC!
Workshops
All sessions led by Paly student journalists.
Writing
News Writing 101
Learn the inverted pyramid, write a lead, and draft your first article.
Visual
Photojournalism
Composition, storytelling through images, and hands-on shooting practice.
Multimedia
Broadcast & Video
Script, shoot, and edit a short news segment with student mentors.
Design
Magazine Design
Explore layout, typography, and what makes a great magazine spread.
Writing
Sports Reporting
Cover a live event, write game recaps, and interview like a pro.
Writing
Opinion & Editorial
Find your voice, build an argument, and write persuasively.
Registration
is open.
$10 per student. Includes a t-shirt, lunch, reporter's notebook, and junior journalist press pass.
Registration closes March 31
Register Now →FAQ
Who is this for?
PAUSD students (some exceptions) currently in grades 4 through 8. No prior journalism experience is needed. The workshops are designed as introductions to the basics.
What does registration include?
The $10 fee covers a PAYJC t-shirt, lunch (pizza), a reporter's notebook, and a lanyard/press pass. There are no additional costs.
Where is the event held?
The Paly Media Arts Center (MAC) on the Palo Alto High School campus. This is the same facility used by Paly's journalism classes and Camp MAC.
What are the drop-off and pickup times?
Check-in begins at 9:30 AM. The convention runs from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Please arrange pickup by 12:30 PM.
How does the Camp MAC discount work?
Students who attend PAYJC receive a discount on Camp MAC registration, Paly's week-long summer journalism camp held at the same Media Arts Center later in the summer.