JUNIOR ZENGER PRIZE

SERVICES

Encouraging Christian students to write feature stories based in biblical objectivity, rigorous reporting, and a commitment to truth-telling

For four years, Zenger House, a Christian foundation, has given Zenger Prizes to top journalists: Click here to explore the 40 winning articles thus far and Christianity Today's article about the 2025 winners. The 2025-2026 academic year will mark the first cycle of Junior Zenger Prizes for high school students and their journalism programs.

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DEADLINE:

Submissions due by March 15, 2026; winners announced in May

Cash Award

The Junior Zenger Prize award is $1,000, half of which goes to the author(s), and half to the school's journalism department.

Recognition

Winners will receive publication on the Zenger House website, a virtual mentorship session with a Zenger Prize judge or Christian journalist during a journalism class period, and a letter of commendation.

Memento

A physical prize and other Zenger House swag will accompany prize money.

Open to students in grades 9–12 who attend accredited Christian high schools in the United States, and to home-educated Christian students. Students outside the United States may be eligible with approval from the Zenger House board of directors.
Submissions must be original journalistic works (articles, podcasts, or videos) produced individually or in small teams of up to three students. Zenger House prohibits the use of AI for any part of content creation, from ideation to execution.
Entries should demonstrate on-the-ground reporting, sensory detail, and alignment with Zenger House’s principles of biblical objectivity.

Eligibility

Award Categories

Print: Articles (500–2,000 words) published in school newspapers, local community outlets, or online platforms with a proven audience.
Multimedia: Podcasts or videos that tell a compelling story through interviews, observation, or narrative.
Local Impact News: Stories focusing on historically overlooked issues or individuals in the student’s community, with special consideration for “news deserts” or underrepresented neighborhoods.

Submission Guidelines

Format: Written entries in PDF or Word format; multimedia entries as MP3/MP4 files or links to hosted content (e.g., YouTube, SoundCloud).
Submissions will be uploaded via a form on the Zenger House website.
Content Requirements:
- Stories must involve original reporting (e.g., interviews, site visits, or primary source research) rather than opinion pieces or desk-based research.
- Entries should include sensory details to immerse readers/viewers/listeners in the story.
- Topics should reflect real-world issues or exemplary profiles of individuals or organizations and demonstrate a biblically informed perspective.
- NOTE: We will not accept devotional pieces, editorials, and largely first-person essays. Stories do not need an explicitly Christian message: see “haunted humanism.”
- Zenger House prohibits the use of AI for any part of content creation, from ideation to execution.
Supporting Materials: Submissions must also contain a 250-word statement explaining the story’s purpose and the reporting process (e.g., interviews conducted, challenges faced).

Judging

Judging Criteria:

Original Reporting (30%): Evidence of pavement-pounding journalism, such as interviews, site visits, or primary source analysis.
Biblical Objectivity (30%): Application of biblical wisdom, balancing confidence, skepticism, and humility in storytelling.
Narrative Quality (20%): Use of sensory detail, clarity, and engagement to create a compelling story.
Impact and Relevance (20%): Ability to highlight meaningful issues, particularly those affecting local communities or underserved groups.

Judging Panel:

Zenger House board members and Christian educators.
Judges will evaluate entries for alignment with Zenger House’s mission and standards of journalistic excellence.
A representative of Zenger House will contact finalists for brief interviews to discuss their work.

NOTE: Zenger House prohibits the use of AI for any part of content creation, from ideation to execution.