California Student Journalism Corps

The EdSource California Student Journalism Corps seeks to nurture and support promising journalism college students in California while also enhancing EdSource’s ability to report deeply on statewide issues that impact colleges and universities, as well as their surrounding communities. Our network of college student journalists report on education in California and earn real-world professional experience by contributing to EdSource, which operates the largest newsroom of education reporters in the state.
(See the reporting and commentary contributed by our Corps here.)

Corps members develop their skills and prepare for the job market and life after college by working with some of the most seasoned education reporters in California at EdSource, which has emerged as a model for nonprofit journalism. The California Student Journalism Corps welcomes a new cohort of student journalists at the start of the fall, spring and summer semesters. If you are a college student interested in joining the program, learn more here.

Our thanks to the College Futures Foundation for their support of this initiative.

Meet the students: Summer 2024

Layla Bakhshandeh is a fourth-year student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in journalism and graphic communication. Her love for storytelling began in high school through her involvement with her school’s student documentary film program. Committed to accurately telling stories of people and communities, Layla has contributed articles to Cal Poly’s Mustang News and is excited to continue reporting for the Student Corps. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring local trails or enjoying a cappuccino.

Clara Brownstein is a rising third-year student at UC Berkeley studying English, Spanish and journalism. She has worked as a writer, editor, copy editor and photographer for Berkeley’s student paper, The Daily Californian, and this fall she will lead the news department as university news editor. She is also a volunteer editor with the San Quentin News and has worked with the CC Pulse. She’s especially interested in covering educational pedagogy, labor rights and the Bay Area.

Ashley Bolter graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in June with a journalism degree, and minors in French and ethnic studies. She reported for Cal Poly’s student paper, Mustang News, and is passionate about uplifting her community through her work. Ashley aspires to be a feature writer and is excited to grow as a reporter with the Student Corps. When Ashley is not reporting, she can be found playing the trumpet in Cal Poly’s marching band.

Jazlyn Dieguez graduated from San Diego State University in May with a journalism degree and a minor in creative editing and publishing. She’s wrote and took photographs for The Daily Aztec, SDSU’s student-run newspaper,  and served as the social media editor for the publication. She initially made her journalistic debut as a writer and editor for The Look Magazine. Her passion for journalism is inspired by the opportunity to share diverse perspectives through storytelling and make a meaningful impact. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys watching movies, reading the latest entertainment news, and spending time with loved ones.

Laura Dux is a second-year journalism and radio broadcast major at Pasadena City College. She spent her first year as the co-social media editor for PCC’s student runned paper, The Courier and is returning in the fall to be their editor-in-chief. She was awarded for best broadcast news show from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and has spent the past year interning in the live events department at LAist. Originally from Hawaii, she’s constantly on the lookout for good poke in the Los Angeles area.

Emily Hamill is a third-year student at UC Berkeley double-majoring in comparative literature and media studies and minoring in journalism. She has served as a sports reporter and now as a news reporter and special issues editor for Berkeley’s student newspaper, The Daily Californian, while also serving as an editor for Berkeley’s oldest short fiction journal, Berkeley Fiction Review. Emily first developed her passion for journalism from her lifelong love of storytelling through creative writing, self-publishing a book of journalistic poetry, and her experience on her award-winning high school yearbook staff. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, writing, watching films, learning French, listening to music, doing film photography, thrifting, traveling and drinking way too much coffee.

Jesus Sanchez Herrera III is a second-year journalism student at Fresno City College who found his passion for the field after returning to college post lockdown. Always having a love for photography and writing, he has worked with multiple publications like Fresnoland and The Business Journal. Jesus was previously editor-in-chief for his school’s news publication, The (Fresno City College) Rampage, and has plans to join Fresno State University’s broadcast team after graduating. Outside of journalism, he has a love for storytelling of all media, especially video games and animation.

Valeria Macias is a student reporter at USC where she double majors in journalism and NGOs and social change. Through her work in publications like the LA Times, USC Annenberg Media, Boyle Heights Beat, ABC7, and many others, Macias has amplified the voices within her local communities. Most of her reporting focuses on the local Angelino community and shines light on issues of gentrification, street vending, city government, and much more.

Aya Mikbel graduated from California State University, Sacramento in May with a degree in journalism. She has published works in Sacramento State’s Honors Journal and the political science journal, Globus Mundi. Aya joined the Student Corps in hopes of being a better writer and a more involved student on her college campus. In her free time, Aya enjoys crocheting, puzzling and watching old films.

Alexcia Negrete graduated from California State University, Fullerton in May with a degree in communications. She served as the editor-in-chief of the Daily Titan. Before transferring to the university, she began her journalism career at Fullerton College, producing award-winning magazines for Inside Fullerton. When Alexcia is not writing, she enjoys listening to music, drawing and crocheting.

Riya Parekh is a third year political science major concentrating in pre-law at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She served as the Arts and Student Life editor at Cal Poly’s student run paper, Mustang News, and is eager to be a contributor for the Student Corps. Riya is passionate about exploring higher education policy and connecting with members of her community. When Riya is not writing, you can find her outside in nature, or indulging in her fro-yo obsession.

Maya Pettiford is a third-year journalism student at San Jose State University. She plans to double minor in communications and public relations. She was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Nipomo, about 15 minutes from San Luis Obispo. Maya is beginning her stint as executive editor of Access Magazine, San Jose State’s lifestyle and entertainment magazine. She also spends a lot of time reading and enjoys thrifting as well as photography. 

Joshua Picazo is the former editor-in-chief at Skyline College’s The Skyline View and is majoring in media studies at UC Berkeley. He is a Bay Area native who has covered stories ranging from union negotiations to cultural issues. As the online editor, The Skyline View won the California News Publisher Association first place award for General Excellence for online campus editions.

Ayanna Smith graduated in May with a journalism degree from California State University, Northridge. She was a staff writer at The Daily Sundial, CSUN’s student newspaper. She has plans to be a writer and, eventually, a producer at a news station. When she’s not doing journalism work, she’s watching new TV shows and movies and spending time with family.

Ally Valiente is a fourth-year communications/media studies and English double major at Sonoma State University. She began her journalism career as a reporter and managing editor for the Highline Thunderword in Washington state. Ally is currently a part of Sonoma State’s student-run radio, KSUN Radio, and is the news editor for the Sonoma State Star. When she isn’t writing, Ally enjoys reading, hiking and drinking chai.

Xavier Zamora is a recent California State University, Los Angeles graduate, double-majoring in journalism and TV, film and media studies. He was the production manager for The University Times, Cal State LA’s student-run newspaper. As a senior multimedia reporter, he has won awards for best news photo and best podcast by the College Media Association. He is currently a 2024 LA Press Club finalist for Best News Photo. Although his interests run the gamut, he’s drawn to the human condition and loves shedding light on social issues that are often overlooked. When he doesn’t have a camera or computer in front of him, he enjoys going to concerts, hanging out with family, and rooting for his hometown baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.