What Is This Program About?
NIF Student Blog & Journalism Program is a global, creative volunteer-style program for students who love to observe, think, create, and express.
In this program, students become their own journalists — documenting their ideas, experiences, and perspectives through writing, photography, and video, and publishing their work on the official NIF platform.
This is a space where student voices matter.
Hosted by us, a 501(3) non-profit organization based in Woburn, MA. This program invites students from around the world to:
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Tell their own student life
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Explore disciplinary thinking in art
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Reflect on the balance between student life and mental well-being.
All content is created from a student’s point of view, and participation counts as official NIF student volunteer service.
What's the theme?
Cross-disciplinary thinking in art
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How art connects with science, literature, music, or technology
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Showcase personal cross-disciplinary creative projects and reflections
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Share museum visits, exhibitions, and artist observations related to cross-disciplinary thinking.
Student Life & Well-Being
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Thoughts and feelings about school life and learning pressure
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Emotional growth and self-awareness
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How students support each other
Reflections on communication, understanding, and care
Types of Roles & Their Responsibilities
Student Journalist Leader
Each group includes a Student Reporter Leader, who serves as a student coordinator to help organize submissions, facilitate discussions, and support the team’s overall workflow. The Student Reporter Group Leader is selected by NIF based on the student’s interest in taking on a leadership role, their level of participation, and the overall quality and maturity of their writing. The role is designed as a learning-based leadership opportunity in a supportive group setting, helping students practice collaboration, communication, and responsibility.
Working in three-week content cycles, the group leader reads peers’ articles, helps organize and recommend pieces for further discussion, shares simple feedback with teammates, and gathers all submissions for review by the NIF supervising teacher. Final editing and publication decisions are always made by NIF, allowing group leaders to focus on learning how to lead and support others in a positive, low-pressure environment.
Core Student Journalists
Core Student Journalists will be part of a small student journalism group within the same time zone, allowing them to build closer bonds and lasting friendships with their teammates.
Participants will create and submit content on a regular basis—typically weekly or biweekly—throughout the program. Each group will remain together for at least one semester and may continue for a full academic year. Students will collaborate closely with their peers, exchange constructive feedback, and grow together as storytellers and journalists.
Each group includes a Student Reporter Leader, who serves as a student coordinator to help organize submissions, facilitate discussions, and support the team’s overall workflow.
Guest Student Journalists
As a guest student reporter, you will be submitting your stories at your own pace. There is no fixed group or long-term commitment.
Writing
Submit your writing works!
Less than 500 words
Photography
2 - 3 pieces
Video
Less than 2 minutes
Sign-up to join
Students will need to sign up first, and then they will recieve more information once they are part of the program.
Feel free to share some of your past work with us!
Criteria
Students aged 10 - 17, who are interested in storytelling, Photography or video creation, Art, culture, or creative thinking.
No journalism experience required! curiosity and sincerity matter most.
Submit your work
Once you are in the network, students can submit their work through email from anywhere. Based on students’ time availability, they can contribute regularly or submit occasionally
Writing: 200–500 words
Photos: 2 - 3 pieces
Video: no longer than 2 minutes
Time Cycle
Core student groups: will submit their works in a 3 week cycle. So for 1 group (6 memebers), there should be 6 submissions from each memeber.
Guest student reporters: Students may take part through individual submissions. All submitted work is reviewed, and selected pieces are published based on overall quality.
Program Duration & Certification
Students are expected to participate in the program for one full school year in order to receive a Program Completion Certificate.
Attendance
We understand that schedules can change. Students may submit work late up to five times during the school year.
If late submissions go beyond this, the student will become a Guest Reporter, with more flexible expectations.
Participation Changes
Students may step back from the program at any time, and we encourage open communication with the NIF team.
Please note that students who withdraw before completing the full program will not be eligible to receive the final participation or completion certificate. We kindly ask that families inform NIF at least two weeks in advance whenever possible.
Name
Grade
Country/Region
Profile Photo
Volunteer Credits
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Official student volunteer service hours
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Volunteer certificates available for school records
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Student Reporter Leaders receive additional leadership certification
By participating in this program, students are encouraged to develop their own voice and independent thinking, while exploring creative expression across disciplines. Through writing, photography, and video storytelling, students build essential skills in communication, observation, and reflection, and see their work recognized on a real, public platform. At the same time, the program supports global citizenship and social-emotional learning, helping students connect creativity with empathy, awareness, and personal growth.