Saint Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, NYC

 

"Speaking Truth To Power"

The Andrew W. Cooper Young Journalists In Training Program

WHO WE ARE
The Andrew W. Cooper Young Journalists In Training Program (YJIT) provides students with an opportunity to explore the world of journalism and consider it as a career. The program provides firsthand exposure to the world of journalism through lectures presented by experts in media as well as internships in New York City. St. Francis College Students have interned at places like WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, WNBC-TV, Lifetime TV and Esquire Magazine.

YJIT is dedicated to the legacy of the late Andrew W. Cooper, founder and publisher of "The City Sun" newspaper. Through the example of Mr. Cooper, who used his newspaper to fearlessly confront social injustice, YJIT hopes to awaken in students a desire to "speak truth to power," the City Sun's motto.

WHO WE SERVE
St. Francis College supports the YJIT's mission to reach a diverse group of students and provide them with access to media decision makers. In addition, on-campus panel discussions throughout the academic year explore timely and relevant media-related issues.

THE PROGRAM
YJIT is a three-part, year-long course composed in the first semester of training and lectures and in the second semester of an internship. Students applying to the program are required to submit a written essay.

Training
Through visits to major media organizations, students are exposed to practical workplace issues. They learn how to present themselves in a professional environment and develop communication and technical skills needed to approach their internship with confidence.

Lectures
YJIT lectures revolve around participants who are industry leaders and decision makers. These sessions enable students to chart their careers, ask questions, and mingle informally with people who determine the direction of the industry.

Internships
Internship opportunity is YJIT's most important component. Students are matched with media organizations and monitored throughout their internship. Upon completion, they document their experiences through portfolios that enhance and shape their resumes. Working collaboratively with the St. Francis College Office of Career Development, YJIT also helps students with job placement upon graduation.

ABOUT ANDREW W. COOPER
In 1966, a year after the Voting Rights Act opened voting booths to millions of African-Americans in the South; New Yorkers challenged a system that weakened their own voting power with gerrymandered Brooklyn districts.

Andrew W. Cooper, an executive at the F&M Schaefer Brewing Co., sued New York State Officials in a case called Cooper v. Power in 1967, the courts agreed that citizens were denied the right to elect an authentic representative of their community and set the stage for the redrawing of the now famous 12th Congressional District of New York (the neighborhood was later reapportioned as the 11th District).

The ruling set in motion a monumental shift in voting rights in New York and beyond, redefining political representation for people of color.  It was built on the civil rights gains made down south and helped push the agenda nationwide.

Shirley Chisholm, a member of Cooper’s political club, ran for the new seat and made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress.  Cooper went on to write a column for the “Amsterdam News,” then published his own newspaper, “The City Sun,” from 1984 to 1996.  His motto, “Speaking Truth to Power,” inspired countless young reporters who have now filled the ranks of journalists nationwide.

In 2006, his legacy was again preserved as the first class of St. Francis students went through the Andrew W. Cooper Young Journalist In Training program and served in internships.

• Arthur Miller Journal
• Young Journalists In Training