Sussex County Community College will again offer a free Community Journalist Certificate beginning Sept. 30, opening the door for residents who want to learn how to report local news — and to pitch work to the Ridge View Echo.
In a recent press release, the college said the program is funded by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and developed with the Journalism + Design department at The New School. The eight-week course, “Becoming a Community Journalist,” covers how local journalism works, how to find and verify stories, and how to write for community outlets.
Classes will run in person on eight consecutive Tuesdays, 12:30–2:30 p.m., on SCCC’s Newton campus. An asynchronous online option will be available for those who prefer to learn remotely. The course will be taught by Prof. Cheryl Conway, a veteran local reporter and editor who teaches journalism at SCCC.
Conway said, “I want the participants to begin thinking like journalists and be prepared to effectively engage with their neighbors and local government. Our aim is to prepare them to become more civically active, get involved in the community media ecosystem and seek the confidence to become a published writer.”
SCCC notes the certificate aims to build practical reporting skills and connect participants with publishers looking for community-centered coverage. Graduates often pursue freelance opportunities with local outlets.
Nancy Gallo, director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, responsible for the grant-writing added: “We want to train local citizens on how to write news articles and be part of the democratic system of providing information that leads to informed citizens and decisions.”
Interested in writing for the Ridge View Echo? We’re always looking for community-minded contributors to cover meetings, schools, neighborhood features and service journalism across northern Warren County. If you enroll — or if you’re already comfortable reporting — reach out to our newsroom to discuss assignments and pitching guidelines.
Registration: Email Sierra LoCicero at slocicero@sussex.edu for details and to reserve a spot. Space is limited. Classes begin Sept. 30 and run through Nov. 18.
