Oakland Voices trains Oakland residents to report and tell the stories that matter to their communities.
Our Community Journalism Academy introduces participants to the skills, ethics and responsibilities of journalism through instruction, hands-on assignments, editorial coaching and opportunities to publish their work.
Professional journalism experience is not required. Participants bring curiosity, lived experience, neighborhood knowledge and a commitment to learning.
What participants learn
Academy training may include:
- developing community-rooted story ideas;
- interviewing and source development;
- newswriting and story structure;
- photography, audio and video;
- fact-checking and verification;
- journalism ethics and editorial decision-making;
- public records and accountability reporting;
- social media and audience engagement; and
- the Maynard Institute’s Fault Lines® framework.
The Academy’s length, format, meeting schedule, assignments and participant compensation may vary by cohort. Previous programs have combined virtual learning, in-person workshops, independent reporting and collaborative editorial support.
Applications and upcoming programs
Applications are not currently open.
Oakland Voices is planning its next full Community Journalism Academy for 2027. Dates, eligibility, program requirements, and compensation will be announced when they are confirmed.
See current opportunities to join Oakland Voices
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Our history
Oakland Voices emerged in 2010 through a partnership between the Oakland Tribune and the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.
Since then, multiple cohorts of Oakland residents have learned to report, photograph and document their communities. Alumni have continued contributing to Oakland Voices, pursued journalism and communications opportunities, launched independent media projects and applied their reporting skills in civic and community work.
Oakland Voices is now a program of the Maynard Institute, a nonprofit organization working to dismantle systemic racism in news and build institutions of belonging.
Learn more about Oakland Voices
Community Journalism Academy classes
Explore the people who have participated in Oakland Voices and the work they produced.
