Applications for ASJA Student Membership Are Now Open

Two membership levels are available, for individual students interested in writing careers and for the colleges and universities that teach them

ASJA has officially opened student membership, providing a new generation of nonfiction storytellers with the opportunity to access benefits from the country’s largest professional organization for independent writers and tap into the collective wisdom of its more than 700 existing members.

As a first-generation college student, I know how life-altering having access to professionals in the field you want to pursue can be. ASJA’s student membership is designed to provide that access, as well as encouragement, and connection.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s investigative reporters and magazine writers,” said Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez, ASJA Vice President and my co-chair for ASJA’s Student Membership Task Force. “They bring fresh ideas, digital-first perspectives, entrepreneurial thinking, and an incredible passion for storytelling. We’re excited to learn from them just as much as we hope they’ll learn from us.”

Membership for individual students is $35. If you are a student exploring a career that involves nonfiction writing, apply for the ASJA student membership here.

With the proliferation of AI and impersonation scams, connecting with trustworthy practitioners who have real-world experience has become more vital than ever for newcomers to the continually changing fields of journalism, content writing, and book publishing. ASJA’s membership includes journalists, content creators, and nonfiction authors—many members working in multiple mediums—tackling a vast number of topics.

“We’re excited to welcome students to ASJA, where they’ll gain access to resources and our nationwide network of accomplished freelance writers,” said Darcy Lewis, ASJA President. “Journalism and publishing are evolving rapidly, and we believe the relationships students build today will shape the future of our profession.”

ASJA Benefits for Students

Students who become ASJA members receive the following benefits:

• Full access to the ASJA library  of webinar recordings, tools, and templates
• Access to the Student Networking Community in the ASJA Member Center
• Subscription to the ASJA Weekly newsletter
• Discounted registration for the ASJA Annual Conference (the 2027 virtual conference takes place April 26-30, see more here)
• Fall and spring student pitch clinics.
• Eligibility for student awards and recognition opportunities
• An official ASJA student press card
• Exclusive ASJA Insider career tip sheets covering:
  • Journalism
  • Book publishing
  • Content Marketing
  • Building an independent writing business

ASJA believes financial barriers should never prevent talented students from accessing professional opportunities. Membership dues will be waived for eligible applicants who identify as:

• Pell Grant recipients
• Current or former foster care youth
• Individuals experiencing housing insecurity

Student members can remain in the program throughout their undergraduate or graduate studies and for two years after graduation. Following that transition period, members will automatically be offered Associate Membership with no application fee. Students who meet eligibility requirements may apply directly for Professional Membership, creating a seamless pathway into ASJA’s professional community. Apply for a student membership here.

Save the Date for ASJA’s Fall Student Pitch Clinic!

ASJA student members are invited to participate in a fall student pitch clinic, scheduled for October 27 at 6 p.m. Eastern time. In the clinic, ASJA members will meet one-on-one or in small groups with students, who will come prepared with a pitch for an article or other content, or a completed work of up to 1,000 words. ASJA member will critique the pitch or completed work and make suggestions for improvements and possible outlets to pitch it to. Check the ASJA Weekly newsletter and the ASJA Member Center for updates.

ASJA Benefits for Collegiate Members

Higher education institutions, including community colleges and universities, can provide students and faculty with direct access to ASJA’s educational and professional resources through a collegiate membership. Collegiate-level membership is $500 a year, plus a one-time $25 application fee. Fill out the collegiate application here.

Benefits of collegiate-level membership include:

• Up to 10 student memberships
• Additional student memberships at a discounted collegiate rate
• One professional or associate membership for a faculty member (pending eligibility)
• Up to two guest speaker appearances by ASJA members (virtual or in person where available)
• Student award nomination opportunities
• Classroom access to ASJA’s webinar and recording archive
• Career resources and teaching materials faculty can integrate into coursework

Success today requires a combination of ongoing learning, mentorship, professional connections, and practical business skills—all of which I found in ASJA when I joined in my 40s and students can find by joining ASJA.

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Echo Montgomery Garrett, is a multi-award-winning author, journalist, editor, and CEO of Lucid House Publishing. She co-chairs ASJA’s Student Membership Task Force and serves on ASJA’s Membership Engagement Committee. Montgomery Garrett co-founded the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides life plan coaching and ongoing advocacy to young people experiencing homelessness, high poverty, or aging out of foster care. Her best-selling book, My Orange Duffel Bag: A Journey to Radical Change, won five national awards for young adult nonfiction and self-help books, including the 2013 ASJA Arlene Book Award.