About the IJEA

Promoting and Supporting Excellence
in Scholastic Journalism Since 1988

Illinois Journalism Education Association
Medill School
Northwestern University
1845 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208-2101
[email protected]

The Illinois Journalism Education Association, founded in 1988, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering excellence in the teaching and practice of high school journalism. We are based in Evanston, where we are headquartered in Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.

Until June 1, 2019, we had been located for more than 30 years in the Journalism Department at Eastern Illinois University. From June 2019 to June 2025, we were hosted by the Illinois Press Association/Illinois Press Foundation in Springfield.

Our executive director is Katie Fernandez, CJE, senior program coordinator of Medill’s Teach for Chicago Journalism and ex officio member of the IJEA Board of Directors. A complete list of our board members can be found here. We invite you to learn more about our organization by visiting the sections listed below.

Our Purpose: What is IJEA?

Our Background: IJEA History

Our Structure and Rules: IJEA Bylaws

Our Leadership: IJEA Officers and Directors