The Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) was founded in 1921 at Grinnell College with the mission to encourage interest in journalism and support scholastic high school journalism programs, students, and advisers across the state of Iowa.
In 1953, the organization moved to the University of Iowa's School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where is has remained. With over a century of commitment to journalism education, IHSPA provides SJMC with a direct link to tomorrow's SJMC students.
What IHSPA Provides Member Schools
Fall Conference
IHSPA hosts a Fall Conference every October, where they post a variety of sessions for high school students to gain more journalism skills and experiences. The 2025 Fall Conference had 48 schools with 915 students that attended the event.
Contests
IHSPA hosts nine contests throughout the year to recognize journalism excellence and give students, publications, and advisers tangible goals. The contests include the Fall Yearbook Contest, Yearbook of the Year, Spring Journalism Contest, News Team of the Year, Iowa Journalist of the Year, "___ of the Year" Contest, Emerging Journalist, Scholars, and Story & Photo of the Month.
Newsletter
Monthly newsletters are sent out to advisers with the current journalistic trends, scholarships, contest and opportunities across the state.
Sport Media Experiences
Gain hands-on experience with a variety of Sport Media Experiences available to member school students. Previous collaborations have been with the Iowa Heartlanders, University of Iowa Athletics, and Iowa State Athletics.
Networking
Exchange ideas and insights at our advisers meetings throughout the school year
Support
Need a second opinion on a journalist issue at your school? We help connect advisers with veterans advisers and resources to assist them!