Three Indian students join 2017–18 Scholastic News Kids Press Corps

There are 44 talented young journalists in the 2017-18 Scholastic News Kids Press Corps, including three reporting from India. Kid Reporters in the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps, ages 10–14, cover “news for kids, by kids” with coverage of current events, breaking news, entertainment stories, and sports events from their hometowns and on the national stage. The award-winning Scholastic News Kids Press Corps welcomed 44 Kid Reporters, ages 10–14, to cover current events, breaking news, entertainment stories, and sporting events from around the world this school year. Kid Reporters Ananyaa Chopra (13 years, grade 8) of New Delhi, Roopkatha Roy (13 years, grade 8) of Kolkata, and Rohan Saketh Devulapalli (12 years, grade 7) of Bangalore were selected from more than 400 total applicants to report from India. The 20 new and 24 returning Kid Reporters in the 2017–18 Scholastic News Kids Press Corps also hail from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“We were extremely impressed with the quality of the applications this year and are delighted to welcome these 44 young journalists to the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps,” said Suzanne McCabe, editor of the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. “By reporting ageappropriate, high-interest news stories, our Kid Reporters are helping their peers gain an appreciation for quality journalism and a broader understanding of the world so that they can become wellinformed community members and voters of the future.”

Since 2000, the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps has delivered “news for kids, by kids.” In the 2016–17 program year, Kid Reporters closely covered events, including the United States presidential election, the International Consumer Electronics Show, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Kid Reporters also interviewed notable public figures such as conservationist Jane Goodall; retired tennis player Andy Roddick; actress Glenn Close; author and actor Chris Colfer; actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg; author and illustrator Dav Pilkey; and skateboarder Tony Hawk.

Stories by Scholastic News Kid Reporters appear on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website (www. scholastic.com/kidspress) and in issues of Scholastic classroom magazines, which reach more than 25 million students in the United States. Here, Suzanne McCabe, editor of the Scholastic News Kids Press Co

rps, shares more about it. AABP: Trace the journey of Scholastic News Kids Press since its inception in 2000?

How did the concept come into being?

Suzanne: We realized that young reporters could help us further our mission at Scholastic by making current events come alive for our young readers. Providing “news for kids, by kids” allows Scholastic opportunities to present presidential elections and other important events in a way that is relevant to our readers. We are also able to instil in young people an understanding of the important role reporters and a free press play in our democracy. In return, our Kid Reporters gain a keener understanding of the world, boost their self-confidence, and hone their writing, reporting, and time-management skills.

AABP: How are the kids trained and nurtured?

Suzanne McCabe, editor of the Scholastic News Kids Press CorpsSuzanne: During the year that our reporters are with us, we offer media training and editorial guidance. We give our reporters editorial tips, have them get tips from the pros, and work with them throughout the editing process—from pitching a story to conducting interviews to seeing a story through to publication. Since 2000, our Kid Reporters have interviewed presidential candidates, scientists, actors, actresses, authors, and sports stars, among many others. They also have learned about their own communities and ways that people are making a positive difference.

AABP: Any special instance you would like to share?

Suzanne: A highlight of the past year was having eight of our Kid Reporters sit down with then-First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama in the Map Room of the White House. Mrs. Obama answered the students’ questions about life in the White House, challenges that she and her husband faced during his time in office, and the legacy that the family hopes to leave behind.

AABP: What is USP of Scholastic News Kids Press Corps?

Suzanne: For nearly 20 years, our award-winning program has enabled us to bring compelling stories from kids of all backgrounds to our diverse readership. We are proud that the invaluable opportunities we offer our reporters, have allowed them, in turn, to grow as individuals and go onto successful careers.

We’re incredibly proud of the stories that our reporters have produced and the growth they have demonstrated as individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.