Oakland Voices trains and supports people who live, work and learn in Oakland to report the stories that matter to their communities.
Whether you want to participate in the Community Journalism Academy, contribute an opinion or story idea, support our work or explore a partnership, there are several ways to get involved.
Community Journalism Academy
Applications are not currently open.
Oakland Voices is planning its next full Community Journalism Academy for 2027. Dates, eligibility, compensation, and application requirements will be announced when they are confirmed.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the next application announcement.
What is the Community Journalism Academy?
The Community Journalism Academy is an applied training program for people of Oakland interested in journalism, photography, multimedia storytelling, and community engagement.
Participants learn by reporting on real issues affecting Oakland communities. Training may include:
- identifying and developing story ideas;
- interviewing and source development;
- newswriting and story structure;
- photography, audio and video;
- journalism ethics and editorial decision-making;
- fact-checking and verification;
- public records and accountability reporting;
- social media and audience engagement; and
- the Maynard Institute’s Fault Lines® framework.
Participants receive instruction, editorial coaching and opportunities to publish their work through Oakland Voices. Program format, length, assignments, and compensation may vary by class.
Learn more about the Community Journalism Academy
Who should consider applying?
The Academy is designed for Oakland residents who want to strengthen their communities through accurate, ethical and engaging storytelling.
Professional journalism experience is not required. We welcome people who bring neighborhood knowledge, curiosity, lived experience, and a willingness to learn.
Oakland Voices makes particular efforts to reach residents and communities that have historically been excluded, stereotyped, or underrepresented in news coverage and journalism careers.
Final eligibility, attendance, and technology requirements will be included in the next application announcement.
Meet Oakland Voices alumni and contributors
What happens after the Academy?
Graduates join a network of Oakland Voices alumni who may continue developing and publishing reporting, photography, commentary, and multimedia work with editorial support.
Participation in the Academy does not guarantee continuing assignments or employment. Opportunities depend on editorial needs, contributor interest, and available funding.
Explore previous Academy classes
Other ways to participate
You do not have to wait for the next Academy to connect with Oakland Voices.
Submit an opinion or community essay
Oakland Voices considers commentary and personal essays from people connected to Oakland.
Review our Community Voices submission guidelines
Share a story idea
Tell us about an overlooked issue, neighborhood concern, community solution or person Oakland should know about.
Partner with Oakland Voices
We welcome conversations about journalism training, community listening, responsible republication, editorial collaboration, advertising and sponsorship.
Contact Director Rasheed Shabazz
Support community-rooted journalism
Your donation helps Oakland Voices train residents, pay community contributors and publish public-service journalism.
Stay informed
Our newsletter is the best way to learn when applications, workshops, contributor opportunities, and Oakland Voices events become available.
Subscribe to the Oakland Voices newsletter
Oakland Voices is a program of the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.
Last updated: August 30, 2026.