Society of Professional Journalists AI policy
Varies by programChecked November 9, 2026
In short
For the SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest, run with the Journalism Education Association, each essay must be original and written by the student with minimal guidance from others, including AI tools. Essays found to be written by AI, in whole or in part, are disqualified.
For applicants
- For the SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest, each essay must be entirely original and written directly by the student, with minimal guidance from others, including teachers, parents, and AI tools. Essays found to be written by AI, in whole or in part, will be disqualified.[1]
Sources
- [1]SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest
Journalism Education Association (not an official funder page)
“each essay entry must be entirely original and written directly by the student contestant, with minimal guidance from others, including teachers, parents and artificial intelligence tools. Any essays that are found to be plagiarized or written by AI, in whole or in part, will be disqualified and removed from consideration.”
This page summarizes published guidance and is not legal advice. Policies change, and a specific solicitation can add its own rules, so confirm against the funding announcement before you apply. See every funder's AI policy.