Skylar Stephens, a junior studying Mass Communication and a shining Xavierite, was selected to be a part of Open Campus HBCU Student Journalism Network. Open Campus is partnering with Jarrett Carter Sr., a veteran journalist and founder of HBCU Digest, to create the HBCU Student Journalism Network, a paid reporting fellowship offering professional development and fostering coverage of historically Black colleges and universities. Stephens will be working closely with Carter and editors at Open Campus on story ideas, reporting, and writing.

“I am excited for this wonderful opportunity to finally get to express myself through journalism!” said Stephens, who is also president of Xavier’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). “Taking this opportunity, I hope to create a pathway for other students who have a heart and passion for journalism.”

In addition to the professional development and training opportunities Stephens will experience, her work will be published for public view on the Open Campus website. Open Campus’s local partner newsrooms and Capital B, a Black-led, nonprofit local and national news organization reporting for Black communities across the country will also host her published articles.

Stephen’s drive and passion to report on topics relevant to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are highlights that make her stand out among applicants.

“My interest and love for HBCUs across the nation helps fuel my passion and, of course, [my love of] sports!” said Stephens. “Who wouldn’t love to read a good post or web segment about your favorite team? With every victory or loss, we help create the buzz.”

Originally from Canton, Ohio, Stephens spends most of her time reading and writing content about international and local sports.

Stephens hopes that her time as a fellow will take her writing content to new heights. She is currently completing a community report fellowship with LEDE New Orleans. The fellowship offers underrepresented youth the opportunity to build media skills.

Stephens has made sure that her words through journalism are impactful; she is a contributing content writer for the Xavier Herald and an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Stephens’ bright future in journalism is bolstered by her strong desire to create pathways for HBCU students within the journalism industry.