For Schools & High School Students
BLOOM is built for young environmental journalists.
High school students and their teachers are at the center of everything we do. Here is what BLOOM offers your school.
What's included
Free student registration
All high school students from northern Indiana attend BLOOM at no cost, including a catered lunch.
Hands-on journalism workshops
Three workshop tracks covering environmental issues, media literacy, and your choice of storytelling medium: written journalism, photojournalism, or short film.
Story pitch contest
Students pitch their story ideas to a panel of journalists and professors at the end of the day. Selected pitches receive post-conference mentorship and a path to publication.
Post-conference mentorship
After BLOOM, ASIU and YEPT pair each student with a mentor who provides feedback, editing guidance, and ongoing support as they develop their final piece.
Publication opportunity
Finished stories may be featured on YEPT.org and in a collaborative print magazine distributed as part of the 89 Percent Project.
IU and professional connections
Students network with IU faculty, journalists, and environmental professionals throughout the day, including during the optional reception and interview hour.
Bringing a school group?
We work directly with high schools across northern Indiana to coordinate group attendance and school outreach. Teachers at partner schools select student attendees and coordinate registration through Earth Charter Indiana.
FAQ for students & educators
Common questions
Who can attend BLOOM? ▾
BLOOM is open to high school students from across the northern Indiana region, including Elkhart, South Bend, Mishawaka, and Middlebury. IU students are encouraged to attend as mentors and workshop facilitators.
Do students need prior journalism experience to attend? ▾
No prior experience is required. Workshops are designed for students at all levels. The only prerequisite is curiosity about environmental issues and a willingness to tell stories about them.
How does registration work for schools? ▾
Registration is coordinated through Earth Charter Indiana. Teachers at partner schools select students and complete group registration. Reach out to the outreach team at the contact page to connect your school.
What happens after the conference? ▾
Students are paired with a mentor from ASIU or YEPT to help refine and publish their story. Content that merits publication will appear on YEPT.org and potentially in the 89 Percent Project collaborative magazine.