Journalism shines bright at Diamond Technology Institute

May 14, 2026 - 01:23

Students across Santa Cruz County are learning the power of local reporting through a program called Lookout in the Classroom. At Diamond Technology Institute in Watsonville, that effort recently reached a milestone when two students were named finalists in the Lookout "Unsung Santa Cruz" journalism scholarship. The scholarship encourages young reporters to write about community members who make a difference but rarely get attention.

The program gives students hands-on experience. They fold handmade zines, interview local sources, and learn how to shape a story from start to finish. For some, the work has opened a door to a possible career. Teachers say the students are gaining confidence along with writing skills.

The two finalists from Diamond Technology Institute were recognized for their ability to find and tell stories that matter to their own neighborhoods. Their work stood out among entries from across the county. School officials say the recognition shows how journalism can thrive when young people are given the tools and the trust to report on the world around them.