Final list of participants in the "Young Journalists School" at the National Centre RUSSIA announced

The names of the participants in the educational project "Young Journalists School" of the National Centre RUSSIA have been announced. Following the selection process — which included a remote stage and subsequent in-person interviews with the writing of a competitive essay — 88 young people aged 12 to 17 were selected.

From 24 to 27 February, candidates demonstrated their skills and knowledge during the in-person selection stage: they answered questions from the expert panel, revealed their creative potential in written assignments and shared their views on modern journalism. Contestants presented essays on the topics "My Russia — Family of Families" and "Preserving History, Uniting Peoples, Moving Forward". The expert council, comprising experienced journalists, editors, media specialists, managers and educators, assessed not only literacy, depth of thought, existing competencies and outlook, but also the candidates’ interest in journalism, their ability to analyse events and processes, sustain reasoned discussion, as well as their civic position and potential.

Over one and a half months, organisers received more than 2,000 creative submissions from over 1,000 applicants. The most deserving advanced to the final stage. They will now become full participants in the Young Journalists School — an original educational project of the National Centre RUSSIA aimed at preparing a new generation of media professionals. The Movement of the First serves as co-organiser of the project.

The training programme will begin on 1 March 2026 — International Children’s Television and Radio Day — and will continue until 30 June. Young journalists will take part in an intensive five-module programme, including an advanced Russian language course, fundamentals of journalism and media literacy, professional ethics, the development of analytical thinking and the creation of multimedia content.

As part of the course, participants will attend classes at the National Centre RUSSIA, have the opportunity to contribute to coverage of the Centre’s events, meet representatives of leading media holdings and editorial teams, and develop their own media projects under the guidance of mentors.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will undergo final assessment. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion, their first portfolio of publications, recommendations for admission to relevant specialist universities, and the opportunity to undertake internships, including at the Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA and with the project’s partner organisations.

All participants who did not make the final list but successfully completed the remote stage will receive certificates of participation by 15 March. They will also be able to attend a number of special project events as listeners — from March to June 2026, open lectures, master classes and meetings with experts are planned for them. Announcements will be published on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. Programme partners include the ANO "Dialogue" and the New Media Workshop; the strategic partner is the Russian Children and Youth Centre.

The final list of participants is available on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA in the "Projects" section — "Young Journalists School".