Shillman Journalism Prize Website
Inspiring The Next Generation
The mainstream media is destroying America
We’re awarding $10,000 for the best answer.
The Shillman Journalism Prize is a national contest for young people who have a story that needs to be told.
Journalism needs people who want to tell the truth.
You don’t need us to tell you something is broken.
Every day, too many real stories of real importance are ignored, because they don’t fit the “narrative.” Or the stories are misreported to hide the truth.
But journalism no longer belongs to legacy newsrooms.
The future stories that will shape our country are emerging from new spaces. They come from students, citizens, and independent writers who are hungry for the truth.
And are willing to do the work.
The Shillman Journalism Prize exists to find these stories… and the people bold enough to tell them.
<insert video of Ann & Phelim>
What are we looking for?
We are looking for original news stories
X Not opinion.
This prize is for reporting based on:
- Original research
- Documents and records
- Interviews
- Verifiable facts
If you know of an important story in your local area or nationally or something others have missed, this is your opportunity to make it known to the world, to make a difference in the world and claim your prize.
Prizes
1st Place- $10,000
2rd Place- $5,000
3nd Place- $2,500
Your work will also be published and read <insert information on USS substack>
How it Works
Steps
- ubmit your story
- Upload your original reporting during the submission window.
- Editorial review
- Our panel selects the Top 10 stories.
- Published on <link Substack>
- Finalists are published on Substack for a national audience.
- Public voting
- Readers vote to determine the winners.
- Winners announced
- Top stories receive cash prizes and recognition.
Contest Rules
- Word count
- Knock yourself out. There is no limit to the word count. If you have a story that demands a lengthy piece – go for it. But be warned, this is not an essay. This is not a piece of fiction. In journalism less is often more. Every word must fight to be on the page. If it doesn’t add to the story, cut it.
- Media
- Video and photography can be included in the piece. Please be careful about identifying children, or addresses of homes (unless you have the permission of parents and homeowners). And don’t trespass. You can knock on doors (we hope you knock on lots of doors) and ask your questions but if you are asked to leave – leave.
- Eligibility
- The Shillman Journalism Prize is open to people who are legally resident in America and are under 25 on the 31st of December, 2026.
- Important Dates
- All stories must be received by Dec 31, 2026
- The top ten stories will be selected and posted with a public voting period made available. The winner of the $10,000 Shillman journalism Prize will be announced in Spring 2027.
How to Submit
Origins or Dr Shillman Journalism prize
This prize is made possible by a generous grant from Doctor Bob and The Shillman Foundation.
Read the small print:
No Purchase Necessary. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. The Shillman Journalism Prize is open to eligible entrants who submit entries at no cost by following the official submission guidelines. All entries must be received by the published deadline.
Void Where Prohibited.
The Shillman Journalism Prize is void where prohibited or restricted by law. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. The Unreported Story Society reserves the right to disqualify any entrant or winner who violates these Official Rules or applicable law.
Ownership and License.
Entrants (or their employers/organizations, if applicable) retain full ownership and copyright in all materials submitted (“Submission”), including the story, supporting documents, photographs, videos, audio, and any other content.
By submitting an entry, each entrant grants the Unreported Story Society and its affiliates, licensees, and partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide license to use, reproduce, publish, display, distribute, archive, modify (for formatting or accessibility purposes only), and promote the Submission (in whole or in part), and to use the entrant’s name, likeness, and biographical information, in any and all media now known or hereafter developed. This license is granted solely for purposes related to the Shillman Journalism Prize, including (but not limited to) judging, announcing winners and finalists, showcasing entries on the Society’s websites and platforms, promotional campaigns, educational initiatives, newsletters, social media, and archival records.
For winning and finalist Submissions, the Society may exercise these rights with first-publication priority if desired. Entrants may publish or license their work elsewhere, provided it does not conflict with any limited exclusive rights granted for winners.
Representations and Warranties.
By entering, you represent and warrant that: (a) the Submission is your original work (or you have obtained all necessary rights and permissions); (b) it does not infringe any third-party copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other rights; (c) you have secured any required consents from sources, interview subjects, or rights holders; and (d) you have full authority to grant the license above. You agree to indemnify and hold the Society harmless against any claims arising from breach of these warranties.
No Obligation to Publish. The Society has no obligation to publish any Submission, even winning entries.
Privacy
By entering the Shillman Journalism Prize or participating as a voter, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with the Unreported Story Society’s Privacy Policy. Information collected from entrants may include your name, email address, contact information, biographical details, and the full Submission (story, supporting materials, photographs, videos, etc.). Information collected from voters may include email address and IP address for vote verification and fraud prevention.
This data will be used solely for purposes of administering the contest, selecting and notifying winners and finalists, verifying eligibility, publishing or promoting winning and finalist entries (consistent with the Intellectual Property license granted above), and fulfilling the Society’s charitable and educational mission. We do not sell personal information. Your data may be shared with trusted service providers who assist in contest administration or judging, or as required by law.
For questions about our privacy practices or to exercise any applicable data rights, please contact us using the information in our Privacy Policy.