OTT editors form Bay Area Youth Journalism

The editors of the Oaktown Teen Times proudly announce the emergence of Bay Area Youth Journalism, or BAY-J, which will serve as an umbrella organization for the teen newspaper and other scholastic journalism projects and programs.

"The creation of Bay Area Youth Journalism reflects our mission to expand our services beyond putting out one newspaper in one city," said Lisa Shafer, co-executive director of BAY-J and co-managing editor of the Oaktown Teen Times.

Beatrice Motamedi, the other executive director of BAY-J and managing editor of the Oaktown Teen Times, elaborated on the decision.

"Our new name reflects our desire to open more opportunities for students besides publishing, such as college scholarships and travel to national journalism conventions," she said. "BAY-J also hopes to collaborate more and more with other schools and journalism groups throughout the Bay Area."

The Oaktown Teen Times, a non-profit newspaper written for and by teens in Oakland, will retain its name. The paper goes out to 10,000 teens in Oakland and is printed free of charge by the Oakland Tribune. It is fiscally sponsored by Media Alliance.

Those interested in supporting BAY-J financially may use the "Donate Now" button on this Website and make a tax-deductible donation through Media Alliance and the Oaktown Teen Times.

Good news in December

Our second issue of the Oaktown came off the press this week with 30 stories/features from 8 schools -- Oakland High, Castlemont/CBITS, Fremont/Mandela, McClymonds/EXCEL, Skyline, Fremont/Media Academy, Oakland Technical and Unity High. To date, more than 75 students have contributed to the newspaper. Almost all low-income students of color.

As of 7:41 p.m. on December 15, the Oaktown Teen Times is $273 away from fulfilling its Donors Choose grant, with a match from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation!

Those who wish to donate to this all-city newspaper, can send a check, payable to Oaktown Teen Times, c/o Media Alliance, 1904 Franklin Street, Suite 500, Oakland, CA 94612.

Check back with us soon on this blog as we hope to provide links to our updated newspaper website.