Gazette introducing eighth-graders to journalism with a free summer camp

I have a few things to take care of before moving on after 25 years at the Gazette. One of them is to make one last pitch about the merits of a worthwhile summer writing program we do with Quota International of Cedar Rapids Inc. -- the Neighborhood Beat Program.

I am writing about the program in my Sunday, April 15, column in the newspaper and also am to speak that day during the announcement time at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 512 Sixth St. SE, in a bid to reach youngsters or at least their families who will gather there. I was invited to speak and appreciate that.

The Gazette and Quota International have been partners in this program the past two years. The Cedar Rapids Police Department also has helped, especially in the first year when we met with kids at the department's Community Connections Center, 1501 First Avenue SE. We moved out of that facility last year to The Gazette building so that we could be in a newspaper setting.

The program was created to reach eighth-graders interested in writing and journalism but who may not get breaks other kids get when chasing a dream. Those breaks can range from backgrounds when growing up to lucky access to professionals who can help the youths develop some skills.

For eight Wednesday afternoons, June 13-Aug. 8 with a week off for July 4 this year, Gazette reporters and editors will work with students on interviewing, storytelling and writing skills. The youngsters develop stories and present them. I have found these sessions to be enjoyable.

We've shown these stories in print and online. Last year we posted everything the kids wrote at this site.

I also have blogged about this program before, in 2010.

The Neighborhood Beat Program has four goals:

• Give youths a better understanding of professional journalism.
• Expand students' thinking and research skills.
• Expand students' reading and writing skills.
• Help build students' confidence.

The best way to get your kid involved? The first thing to know is that this only is for students at Cedar Rapids middle schools. We can do only so much. Applications are at the schools.

We have asked teachers at those schools to identify students who may be interested in the program and Ramona Baldyga, a local Quota International catalyst behind this project, is arranging meetings with teachers and kids. The Gazette's Patrick Hogan, who covers education, is planning on meeting with kids, too.

Why do this? Because journalism is a noble profession with skills you can use regardless of what you eventually do in life because of the critical thinking, research, personal contact, storytelling and writing skills you use.