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Journalism is not just for adults. We know young writers and readers want science news that’s fascinating and fun. So, CSIRO Double Helix magazine and Letterly are hosting a “Young STEM Journalism Bootcamp” this school holidays.

The Bootcamp will run during January 2025. Perfect for ages 8 to 18, the online program will help young writers translate STEM into clear, relatable stories, that will be published by CSIRO Double Helix.

With guided feedback from experts, including the Double Helix magazine team, participants will research, write and fact-check stories, developing their communication skills.

Double Helix will publish student work on its website and the best stories will be printed in Double Helix magazine.

“Science communication can change the world,” says Editor in Chief of CSIRO Publishing magazines unit, Ian Mannix. “We want young writers to be part of that.”

“It’s important to recognise that young people have an important viewpoint, and come from a different perspective,” says Mannix.

“Giving students the tools to unlock current events in the world of STEM is critical to building the young leaders and thinkers of tomorrow,” says Letterly founder and CEO, Jane Chen. Letterly is a US-based company with expertise in 1:1 writing instruction.

The Letterly project builds on the history of CSIRO’s Double Helix magazine, which has almost 40-years’ experience of delivering quality science journalism to school-aged students.

Enrolments can be made via the Letterly website. Early-bird rates are available until 30 November.