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: Fall 2024

Natalia Montero Acevedo is a second-year student majoring in political science at the University of California, San Diego. She is the current associate news editor of her university’s independent, award-winning newspaper, The UCSD Guardian, where she began as a contributing news writer in the fall of 2023. Her passion for journalism stems from a conviction in utilizing the craft’s power of far-reaching words as means to amplify communities’ voices. She aims to use her writing to provide a platform for perspectives on immigration, women’s rights, intersectionality, social justice movements and environmentalism. Additionally, Natalia is enthusiastic about beginning an independent path in photojournalism this year.

Christina Chkarboul is a senior at the University of Southern California studying Earth science, global studies and journalism. She served as managing editor at USC’s independent student-run paper, the Daily Trojan, where she discovered a passion for impactful local news. Most recently, she covered housing quality and city codes enforcement as an intern at the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, NY, and higher education as a CalMatters College Journalism Network fellow. Her work also appears in LAist, KCRW, Crosstown LA and the Malheur Enterprise, a weekly in rural eastern Oregon where Christina worked on a series investigating child poverty. When she isn’t writing, Christina enjoys hiking, knitting and live music.

Carissa Coane Carissa is in her sophomore year at Glendale College, where she is pursuing degrees in mass communications and journalism. She is editor-in-chief of her campus publication, El Vaquero, and an active member of Investigative Reporters & Editors.

Teagan Davidge is a fourth-year journalism student at California State University, Northridge, where she serves as assistant social media editor for the student newspaper, the Daily Sundial. She also serves as public relations assistant for the CSUN University Student Union. She was formerly a staff writer for Moorpark College’s student paper, the Moorpark Reporter, before transferring to CSUN in fall 2023. In her free time, you can find Teagan singing, playing video games and searching for the best gluten-free foods in Ventura County.

Laura Dux is a second-year journalism and radio broadcast major at Pasadena City College and is their editor-in-chief of their student-run newspaper, The Courier. She was awarded 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. She has her undergraduate degree in acting and playwriting. In a past life, she used to perform on stage and gave it up when she moved to Los Angeles.

Colin Haskins is a second-year journalism and geography student at Pasadena City College. He joined the Pasadena City College Courier as a staff writer in spring 2024 and now serves as managing editor. Off-campus, Colin is the politics editor at New Voices Magazine, and he recently completed an internship at LAist, Southern California’s most-listened-to NPR station.

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.

Kelcie Lee is a second-year student at UC Berkeley majoring in history and sociology. She is a news reporter and night deputy editor for Berkeley’s student newspaper, The Daily Californian. Kelcie developed her passion for journalism through her high school’s student newspaper, The Lowell, where she was a reporter and then editor-in-chief. When she isn’t writing, Kelcie can be found drinking coffee, listening to music or watching the sunset.

Tasmin McGill is a fourth-year journalism student at California State University, Long Beach. Her journalism experience includes time as a freelance reporter for the Laguna Beach Independent and as the Arts + Culture editor for the Orange Coast College student newspaper, Coast Report. With these opportunities, she has published a range of articles that focus on student life to local government officials. Tasmin’s passion for journalism stems from her desire to connect with members of different communities and highlight the critical issues they face in their day-to-day lives. When dealing with writer’s block, Tasmin enjoys practicing yoga, listening to music, walking her dog, and spending time with friends and family.

Jo Moon is a junior at UC Berkeley studying political economy, gender and women’s studies and Korean. She writes for her campus newspaper, The Daily Californian, as a senior staff reporter with a focus on education. Her interest in journalism, paired with her recent internship at the Department of Education, in Washington, D.C., sharpened her focus towards education reporting. Outside her life of writing, Jo can be found exploring Bay Area cafes with a good book, spending too much time on the Vogue website and trail running.

Thomas Murphy was born and raised on the Central Coast of California and currently is a third year studying business psychology at the University of California, San Diego. He is the associate photo editor and co-webmaster for The UCSD Guardian. His work has led him to report on and photograph protests, concerts, and social issues, both at home and abroad.

Stephinie Phan is a fourth-year journalism major at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She began her writing career as an editor for El Paisano and La Cima, both student-run publications. She is now working as the CSUDH Bulletin’s arts editor and staff reporter. Stephinie has joined the Student Corps to improve her writing abilities and general work performance. When not writing or working, she enjoys photographing local wildlife and cosplaying at conventions.

Abbie Phillips is a fourth-year journalism student at California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo. She aspires to be an elementary school teacher after she graduates. In her spare time, she helps out with Cru on campus, goes to the gym and plays music with her worship team. She loves cats, dogs and spending time with her friends. She hopes to share truth in the journalism world and bring a beacon of light to the community through writing.

Nylah Quijano is a second-year student at California State University, Northridge majoring in journalism with an emphasis on public relations, and minoring in human resources and talent management. She is a culture reporter for her school paper, The Sundial, and is passionate about creating stories that impact others. Nylah is devoted to writing for student advocacy as well as discussing cultural topics that affect the wellbeing of others. When she isn’t writing, she loves watching movies and TV shows with her family, as well as trying out new food spots.

Joshua Silla is a fourth-year journalism and media studies major, double-minoring in political science, and science, technology and society studies at San Diego State University. He’s from the San Gabriel Valley and aims to go into solutions journalism, focusing specifically on race and equity politics. When not writing, Josh enjoys biking and burning CDs.

Calista Stocker is a third-year student at San Diego State University with a journalism major and sociology minor. She is a staff writer at The Daily Aztec student newspaper and is the secretary of SDSU’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She is a passionate storyteller who seeks to uncover local issues through unheard voices in her work. When Calista is not writing, she enjoys singing in her a cappella group and going thrifting.

Ally Valiente is a fifth-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.