Applications for the Youth Leadership Board 2026-27 are now open!
ThreeSixty Journalism launched the program’s first Youth Leadership Board in 2024. Nine high school students—all committed and experienced scholastic journalists—now help guide program strategy and curriculum and are resourced to lead editorial projects and participate in advanced learning opportunities.
The ThreeSixty Youth Leadership Board is open to all experience levels and high schoolers who have been a part of ThreeSixty Journalism programs. Board members guide ThreeSixty’s youth-centric approach to media work.
There are 3 open seats on the 2026-27 Board. The application is a competitive process. Competitive applicants will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Critical thinker, critic, learner, schemer
- Possesses qualities such as self-awareness, curiosity, willingness to learn, dedication, reflexivity
- Interest in media, storytelling, journalism
- Attention to values of equity, collaboration
- Demonstrates desire to engage deeper and make a difference in their communities
What does the Youth Leadership Board do?
Now in its third year, the Youth Leadership Board (YLB) is committed to centering youth voice in ThreeSixty programming and in the process, growing their own leadership skills as media makers, advocates, and civic leaders.
Members of the YLB work on special projects, support with program design, co-present on panels, and work closely with ThreeSixty staff and supporters. In May/June, the YLB participates in an out-of-state journalism education trip.
In 2026-27, we are introducing an editorial working group within the Board. Members of this working group will work closely with ThreeSixty’s Associate Director of Programs to co-design workshops and produce regular content for the ThreeSixty podcast, The Youth Pulse. Members who are part of this working group are still required to participate in larger Board activities and meetings.
Expectations of the YLB
We meet twice a month on Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. from October to June. The first meeting will be on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The first monthly meeting is in-person on St Thomas campus with dinner; the second meeting is virtual on Zoom.
Members must be actively engaged during meetings, communicative, and contribute to the Board’s efforts and activities.
The YLB follows a strict attendance policy where members must make 80% of the scheduled meetings, or be considered removed from the Board. Dates and mode of meeting may change. Board members are compensated up to $1000 for their term at $50/Board meeting and $100 for the end-of-year trip.
YLB 26-27 meeting dates (every other Thursday, unless indicated):
- Oct 8, 22
- Nov 5, 19
- Dec 10*, 17
- Jan 14, 28
- Feb 11, 25
- Mar 11, 25
- Apr 8, 22
- May 6, 20
- June 3, 17
YLB members should also expect to work on special projects outside of set Board meetings (no more than 1-3 hours/week).
Questions: denise.huang@stthomas.edu
Apply here
Deadline: September 16, 2026
Meet the 2025-26 Youth Leadership Board
Meet the inaugural 2024-25 Youth Leadership Board
ThreeSixty Values
Youth Leadership, Ingenuity, Justice, Connection
ThreeSixty Mission
ThreeSixty Journalism equips young Minnesotans to be sense makers, truth tellers, and bridge builders for an equitable society through multimedia journalism.
Grounded in the principles of journalism, committed to media literacy, and focused on contributing to more accurate narratives and representative newsrooms, ThreeSixty offers technical, ethical, and entrepreneurial training for fulfilling careers in storytelling and civic leadership. We strive for a Minnesota where every young person has access to a journalism education and where young people shape representative news media and civically connected communities. Founded in 1971 to advance racial equity in journalism, ThreeSixty Journalism’s modern history began at the University of St. Thomas in 2001.
