ASJA Invests in the Next Generation of Writers with New Student, College Memberships
Individual students and higher education institutions can join the premier nonfiction writers’ organization starting this fall.
Student membership opens the way to mentorships, networking, professional development, and career opportunities for emerging journalists, content writers, and nonfiction authors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ASJA Staff, asjaoffice@asja.org
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (Aug. 11) — The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), the nation’s premier professional organization for independent nonfiction writers, announced that it will begin offering student memberships this fall. The new membership level is designed to connect aspiring journalists and authors with experienced professionals. It reflects ASJA’s commitment to strengthening the future of independent journalism and nonfiction writing by investing in the next generation of storytellers.
“We’re excited to welcome students to ASJA, where they’ll gain access to resources and our nationwide network of accomplished freelance writers,” ASJA President Darcy Lewis said. “Journalism and publishing are evolving rapidly, and we believe the relationships students build today will shape the future of our profession.”
Student memberships will be available to individuals ages 18 and older pursuing an undergraduate degree, master’s, or doctorate in journalism, communications, English, media, or related fields, as well as students of any major who are pursuing writing related to their chosen profession. Colleges and universities can participate through a new institutional membership that offers access to ASJA resources for both students and faculty.
The membership fee for individual students is $35 a year. It includes:
- ASJA’s complete library of webinars, recordings, tools, and professional templates
- An ASJA Student Networking Community
- The ASJA Weekly newsletter
- Discounted registration for the ASJA annual conference
- Fall and spring pitch clinics
- Eligibility for student member awards
- An ASJA student press card
- ASJA Insider career tip sheets on journalism, book publishing, content marketing, and running an independent writing business
Membership Fee Waivers Available for Grant Recipients
Recognizing that financial barriers should never prevent talented students from accessing professional opportunities, ASJA will waive membership dues for eligible students who indicate on their application that they are Pell Grant recipients, current or former foster care youth, or experiencing housing insecurity.
“As a first-generation college student, I know that having access to professionals in the field you want to pursue can be life-altering,” according to ASJA Student Membership Task Force Co-Chair Echo Garrett. “From working with students experiencing homelessness or aging out of foster care for the last 15 years, I’ve encountered so many gifted people, who simply need opportunity and encouragement. ASJA’s student membership is designed to meet that need.”
Student members may remain in the program throughout their undergraduate and graduate education and for two years following graduation. After that transition period, members will be automatically offered an associate membership without an application fee. Student members who qualify may also have the option to apply for professional membership, creating a seamless pathway into ASJA’s professional community.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s investigative reporters and magazine writers,” said ASJA Student Membership Task Force Co-Chair and ASJA Vice President Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez. “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.”
Institutional Memberships Available for Colleges and Universities
The cost of an institutional membership for colleges and universities is $500 a year. It includes:
- Up to 10 student memberships, with additional students eligible at a discounted institutional rate
- A professional or associate ASJA membership for one (1) faculty member, pending eligibility
- Up to two guest speaker appearances by ASJA members, virtual or in person where available
- Student award nomination opportunities
- Access to ASJA’s webinar and recording archive for classroom use
- A growing library of ASJA Insider career resources that faculty can incorporate into their curriculum
Eligibility requirements and additional information on how to apply for student and institutional memberships can be found here.
Info sessions for college media advisers and educators will be held August 25, 27, and 31. To register, complete the RSVP form here.
About ASJA
The American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation’s premier organization of professional independent nonfiction writers. ASJA members write books, journalism, and content marketing and have met ASJA’s objective standards of professional achievement by publishing with national magazines, publishers, and clients. As First Amendment and right-to-freelance advocates, ASJA stands up for writers’ rights and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that benefit members and the writing profession as a whole. ASJA believes in diversity and inclusion and actively works to attract members from all backgrounds and experience levels while continuing to emphasize excellence in nonfiction writing. Learn more at www.asja.org.