SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB 2026
53rd EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM COLLEGE AWARDS CONTEST
The Contest opens friday, aug. 14, and the Entry Deadline is FRiday, sept. 11 at 11:59 p.m.
After all your entries are complete, add the total amount and follow this link for payment.
ELIGIBILITY
Competition is open to San Diego County college students who have material published, broadcast, aired, or online during the contest period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Entries to the 2026 San Diego Press Club 53rd Annual College Excellence in Journalism Awards will be submitted through ACES (link to contest page). The Excellence in Journalism Awards recognize outstanding achievements by individual professionals. Editors, news directors, and publishers may enter on behalf of employees or freelancers.
Questions related to the contest, ACES platform, or club, including membership (for emails, please put “EIJ 53 Support” in the subject line):
Albert Fulcher, admin@sdpressclub.org or 858-215-1619 (text or call)
The Sec Code for this contest is SDPC
JUDGING
All entries will be judged by professional journalism organizations or individuals outside the contest area. The Awards Committee reserves the right to change the category in which entries are submitted and/or refuse entries that do not meet eligibility. In the case of an entry dispute, the decision of the committee will be final. Judges also have the right to determine that no award will be given in a category.
Entries in languages other than English or Spanish must include translation.
Below are directions for preparing and submitting entries using the new ACES platform.
Detailed instructions and categories are listed below. Important: The information you include in the entry form will appear on any plaques and/or certificates. Please confirm it is correct before submitting. Entrants will be responsible for the cost of corrections to plaques and/or certificates.
This is your account – you can return to it at any time during the call for entries time period – until the deadline of Friday, September 11. Once you have completed all your entries, document the amount due and enter it on the payment portal using this link to pay immediately or send a copy of your invoice with a check to:
San Diego Press Club
302 Washington St. #441
San Diego, CA 92103
ENTRY FEES
College membership: $20
College entries: $10
Have fun and best of luck to everyone! And we look forward to the 53rd Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards on Oct. 27. Stay tuned for updates, you will not want to miss this year’s event!
Again, if you have any questions at all – please do not hesitate to call or email.
Below are directions for preparing and submitting entries using the new ACES platform.
SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB 2026 COLLEGE EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS
COLLEGE CONTEST CATEGORIES
COLLEGE MEDIA – PRINT/ONLINE
Best Newspaper Submit up to three examples of the publication. No hard copies, please.
Best Magazine Submit up to three examples of the publication. No hard copies, please.
News
Feature
Column
Investigative
Opinion/Commentary
Reviews: Movie, theater, performing arts, books, restaurant, television, etc.
Sports
Photography
Drawing, Illustration or Cartoon Includes political cartoons.
Cover design
Feature story layout
Best Use of Social Media
COLLEGE MEDIA – TV AND ONLINE VIDEO
Newscast
General News Story
Feature Reporting
Investigative Reporting
Sports Reporting
Best Use of Social Media
COLLEGE MEDIA – RADIO AND PODCAST
Newscast
General News Story
Feature Reporting
Investigative Reporting
Sports Reporting
Best Use of Social Media
Have fun and best of luck to everyone! And we look forward to the 53rd Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards on Oct. 27. Stay tuned for updates, you will not want to miss this year’s event! Again, if you have any questions at all – please do not hesitate to call or email.
Click here to see the 2025 winners
San Diego Press Club 