Level Up Your Student Media Talent by Entering the LSPA Student Media Competition and attending the 2026 LSPA Conference!
Inspire. Learn. Compete. Connect.
Registration for the LSPA Student Media Competition and LSPA Conference will open September 15, 2025 and will continue until November 14, 2025. Information will be updated on this website page by September 15, 2025.
The Louisiana Scholastic Press Association (LSPA) Student Media Competition and Conference is your chance to dive into the world of journalism, storytelling, and media production—right on the campus of Louisiana State University.
LSPA STUDENT MEDIA COMPETITION
The LSPA Student Media Competition is your chance to showcase your storytelling, creativity, and journalistic skills on a statewide stage — and to earn recognition that can set you apart in college and career opportunities. This prestigious competition celebrates excellence across newspaper, broadcast, yearbook, radio, and social media. Students can enter in a wide range of categories — from hard-hitting news stories and compelling feature photography to engaging podcasts, eye-catching infographics, and standout social media posts. Every entry is judged by industry professionals who provide valuable feedback, so participants not only compete for certificates, trophies, and the coveted Sweepstakes Award, but also gain expert insights to grow as communicators.
For students, it’s a chance to prove your talent, build your portfolio, and join a network of passionate storytellers. For faculty and advisors, it’s an opportunity to spotlight your students’ hard work, raise your program’s profile, and motivate future media leaders. Whether you attend the LSPA Conference on January 27, 2026 (where the awards will be announced and handed out), or simply enter the competition, you’ll be part of a community that celebrates and uplifts scholastic journalism at its best.
You can enter the LSPA Student Media Competition WITHOUT attending the LSPA Conference. You can also attend the LSPA Conference, WITHOUT participating in the LSPA Student Media Competition.
LSPA Conference
Hosted by the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, this high-energy, hands-on event brings together hundreds of student journalists and their advisers from across Louisiana for a half-day of skill-building, networking, and friendly competition.
- Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Lunch Included)
(Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., Conference kicks off at 9:00 a.m.) -
Location: LSU Student Union, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Why You’ll Want to Be There
- Get Inspired: Kick off the day with a special welcome from the LSU Manship School
of Mass Communication. Here from Keynote Speakers from the professional world of broadcast,
NIL or digital media.
- Learn from the Pros: Participate in engaging workshops led by Manship faculty and student leaders. Topics include:
- Writing & reporting
- Digital storytelling
- Photography & videography
- Yearbook tips
- Showcase Your Skills: Celebrate excellence at our Awards Luncheon honoring winners in Yearbook, Newspaper, Broadcast, Radio, and Social Media from the Student Media Competition.
- Network & Collaborate: Advisers can connect to swap strategies, resources, and vision for the future of LSPA.
- Take Home More Than Memories: Every attendee gets an official LSPA T-shirt!
You can enter the LSPA Student Media Competition WITHOUT attending the LSPA Conference. You can also attend the LSPA Conference, WITHOUT participating in the LSPA Student Media Competition.
Registration Details
Deadline: November 14, 2025 (for conference registration, payment post marked date, and contest entries)
FIRST: ENTER WORK IN THE LSPA STUDENT MEDIA COMPETITION
Entries for the LSPA Student Media Competition will be accepted from September 15, 2025 until November 14, 2025 - more information will be available on this website page at that time. You do not have to attend the LSPA Conference in order to compete in the LSPA Student Media Competition.
Competition Entry Fees:
- Newspaper Contest: $30 per school + $5 per entry
- Yearbook Contest: $75 each entry
- Broadcast Contest: $30 per school + $5 per entry
- Radio Contest: $30 per school + $5 per entry
- Social Media Contest: $30 per school + $5 per entry
SECOND: REGISTER FOR THE LSPA CONFERENCE
Registration for the LSPA Conference will be open September 15, 2025 until November 14, 2025 - more information will be available on this website page at that time. You do not have to participate in the LSPA Student Media Competition in order to attend the LSPA Conference.
Conference Fees:
- $30 administration fee per school
- $25 per person (students & advisers)
Payment:
Preferred payment via school check, school board-issued check, or money order made out to LSPA. Mail with your completed LSPA Checklist (provided when registration opens). Mail to:
LSPA c/o Kyrin Lewis
LSU Manship School of Mass Communication
144 Field House Drive
Room 211 Journalism Building
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
This isn’t just another school event—it’s your opportunity to learn from LSU experts, elevate your media skills, connect with other passionate student journalists, and celebrate your achievements.
Mark your calendars. Rally your team. Get ready for the 2026 LSPA Conference!
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact lspamanship@lsu.edu.