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## Posts

- [Blog](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/blog/)
- [A Brief History of the American Penal Press Contest](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/a-brief-history-of-the-american-penal-press-contest/) - Sixty years ago this past March, careful readers of The New York Times (NYT) may have caught a tiny news brief nestled inside their paper, announcing the launch of a new journalism competition. The American Penal Press Contest — it reported — would be an annual event for prison newspapers, organized by the journalism department
- [Continuing in the Spirit of the APPC Creators](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/continuing-in-the-spirit-of-the-appc-creators/) - The School of Journalism and Advertising at Southern Illinois University (SIU), Carbondale, is proud to partner with the Pollen Initiative to relaunch the historic American Penal Press Contest (APPC). Faculty from SIU’s journalism school created the contest in 1965 and ran it with success until 1990. I came on as a professor and the director
- [The Return of the American Penal Press Contest](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/the-return-of-the-american-penal-press-contest/) - Chances are, if you’ve heard of the American Penal Press Contest (APPC) before this year, it was thanks to James McGrath Morris’ history “Jailhouse Journalism: The Fourth Estate Behind Bars.” The contest makes a brief appearance in a chapter describing the prison press renaissance of the 1960s, where Morris memorably describes it as “a sort
- [Pollen Initiative and Southern Illinois University Carbondale to Relaunch Historic American Penal Press Contest](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/pollen-initiative-and-southern-illinois-university-carbondale-to-relaunch-historic-american-penal-press-contest/) - Contest celebrates achievements by incarcerated newsrooms across the U.S. Winners to be announced on September 19 at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center SAN QUENTIN, Calif. & CARBONDALE, Ill.—Pollen Initiative, a non-profit organization for award-winning prison journalism and filmmaking rehabilitative programs in the United States, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) announced today the relaunch of
- [Softball Bonanza](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/softball-bonanza/) - This article was originally published in The Cajun Press out of Raymond Laborde Correctional Center in Louisiana. It won third place for Best Sports in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. Under the blazing sun and the echo of summer cicadas, the RLCC Gators are not just playing softball — they're rewriting the playbook of
- [Caitlin Clark: Changing the scope of the WNBA](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/caitlin-clark-changing-the-scope-of-the-wnba/) - This article was originally published in North Carolina Prison News Today out of Nash Correctional Institution. It won second place for Best Sports Coverage in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. The prison day-room filled with a heavy palpable tension. The clearly divided sides rook turns, jeering at each other or cheering animatedly. On June
- [Dominant on the Diamond](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/dominant-on-the-diamond/) - Angola All-Stars crush inter-institutional softball competition in satellite prison's backyard This article was originally published in The Angolite out of Louisiana State Penitentiary. It won first place for Best Sports Coverage in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (ЕНСС) hosted the 2024 Department of Corrections (DOC) inter-institutional softball championship at the
- [Effects of mass incarceration on the children left behind](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/effects-of-mass-incarceration-on-the-children-left-behind/) - This article was originally published in North Carolina Prison News Today out of Nash Correctional Institution. It won third place for Best Opinion in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. “I’m not blaming my father, but his incarceration kind of set the tone for my life," Sadiq Banks said. Banks, a habitual criminal, has done
- [Behind bars and banned from the ballot box](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/behind-bars-and-banned-from-the-ballot-box/) - An Editorial on Felony Disenfranchisement This article was originally published in The Echo out of Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. It won second place for Best Opinion in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. On May 30, 2022 then Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan visited my eastern Oregon prison as part of a statewide tour
- [Nutritional Rehabilitation](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/nutritional-rehabilitation/) - Why healthier foods lead to better outcomes This article was originally published in CCWF Paper Trail out of Central California Women’s Facility. It won first place for Best Opinion in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. One of the first handouts distributed to new arrivals in CCWF Receiving gives mental health tips, including recommendations for
- [Nash holds 2024 mock elections](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/nash-holds-2024-mock-elections/) - This article was originally published in The Nash News out of Nash Correctional Institution in North Carolina. It won third place for Best Local Coverage in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. For those who follow politics, this year’s race for the White House had something for everyone. Millions of voters turned out to vote
- [60 residents commit to stopping domestic violence and heal in the process](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/60-residents-commit-to-stopping-domestic-violence-and-heal-in-the-process/) - This article was originally published in San Quentin News out of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. It won second place for Best Local Coverage in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. The Healing, Empowerment, Accountability, Restoration and Transformation program known at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as H.E.A.R.T., held its third graduation in which it honored 60
- [CCWF residents get their hands dirty for the latest ‘it’ item](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/ccwf-residents-get-their-hands-dirty-for-the-latest-it-item/) - This article was originally published in CCWF Paper Trail out of Central California Women’s Facility. It won first place for Best Local Coverage in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. “I had no idea how freaking serious it was. Like, lizards are the new Fendi bags,” said Diamond Vargas, a long-term resident of Charlie yard.
- [Looking at the Stars](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/looking-at-the-stars/) - Behind the Headlines: What it really meant This article was originally published in The Prison Mirror out of Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. It won third place for Best Long-form Magazine Story in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. In reporting on the classical musical concert hosted by Looking at the Stars, it was hard to be
- [Elder Abuse in Prison, Pt. 1: Clandestine Bullying](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/elder-abuse-in-prison-pt-1-clandestine-bullying/) - This article was originally published in Mule Creek Post out of Mule Creek State Prison in California. It won second place for Best Long-Form Magazine Story in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. Elder Abuse in society is often confirmed by overt acts like neglect, physical and psychological harm, and frequently perpetrated by family members
- [The Spirit of Giving: Two Bodhisattvas of the DAC](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/the-spirit-of-giving-two-bodhisattvas-of-the-dac/) - This article was originally published in North Carolina Prison News Today out of Nash Correctional Institution. It won first place for Best Long-form Magazine Story in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. In Raleigh, North Carolina, Andrè Smith and Steven Killion get in a car and drive due east on I-40 towards Nash Correctional Institution.
- [Open Mic Night](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/open-mic-night/) - This article was originally published in 1664 out of Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. It won third place for Best Feature in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. On the starry evening of Feb. 21, from about 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., recreation staff and approximately 30 AICs attended a musical jam session known as “Open Mic
- [Pennie's Rainbow](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/pennies-rainbow/) - This article was originally published in CCWF Paper Trail out of Central California Women's Facility. It won second place for Best Feature in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. How do incarcerated individuals reduce their anxiety when they are locked in a room with seven others who are dealing with their own devastations? Trying to
- ['I Can't Breathe': When a heart attack strikes...](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/i-cant-breathe-when-a-heart-attack-strikes/) - This article was originally published in The Cajun Press out of Raymond Laborde Correctional Center in Louisiana. It won first place for best feature in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest. “I couldn't breathe. I couldn't breathe," Bobby Kimball repeated, shaking his head slowly. It was early April and I was interviewing Kimball, a close
- [Empowering the Printed Word: Penal Press Awards' Commitment to Print Media Excellence](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/empowering-the-printed-word-penal-press-awards-commitment-to-print-media-excellence/) - Penal Press Awards is a leading authority in the print media industry, providing recognition and accolades to exceptional publications and their contributors. As an esteemed organization, we are dedicated to celebrating the art of print journalism and fostering excellence in the field. Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Print Media In an era of rapid digital
- [Celebrating the Legacy of Print Media with Penal Press Awards](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/celebrating-the-legacy-of-print-media-with-penal-press-awards/) - Penal Press Awards is a leading authority in the print media industry, recognizing the exceptional achievements and contributions of talented professionals. As a trusted source, we are dedicated to delivering insightful blog content that informs and inspires our readers. Showcasing Print Media Excellence At Penal Press Awards, we take pride in honoring the remarkable work
- [Penal Press Awards: Celebrating the Brilliance of Print Media](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/penal-press-awards-celebrating-the-brilliance-of-print-media/) - The Penal Press Awards blog is your go-to destination for insights and trends in the dynamic world of print media. Discover the latest innovations, industry news, and expert perspectives on the evolving landscape of publishing. Celebrating Excellence in Print Media At Penal Press Awards, we are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements of
- [Embracing the Power of Print: The Enduring Appeal of Physical Publications](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/embracing-the-power-of-print-the-enduring-appeal-of-physical-publications/) - Penal Press Awards, a leading publication in the print media industry, is excited to present its latest blog post. Delve into the ever-evolving world of print media and discover the latest trends, insights, and developments shaping the industry. Embracing the Power of Print In an age of digital dominance, the true value of print media

## Pages

- [About](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/) - The American Penal Press Contest American Penal Press Contest Welcome to the American Penal Press Contest! Originally launched by Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (SIU) in 1965, the contest was revived by SIU and Pollen Initiative in 2025!The contest aims to bolster the prison press by shining a light on its strength, providing professional feedback, encouraging
- [Team](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/our-team/) - Our Team The American Penal Press Contest is advised by a board of experienced journalists and scholars, including former and current editors of prison newspapers. Staff from the Pollen Initiative administer and host the contest in collaboration with partners and sponsors. Advisory Board Jesse Carson Editor in Chief, Mule Creek Post Jesse Carson is the
- [Eligibility & Judging](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/eligibility/) - Eligibility and Judging Eligibility Submissions must be from a publication that is edited and managed by currently incarcerated people. Submissions must have appeared in 2025. Publications that have assistance from an outside person or organization are eligible, as long as writing and editorial direction comes from currently incarcerated contributors. As the American Penal Press Contest is an award
- [Entry Guidelines](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/guidelines-how-to-enter/) - Entry Guidelines Deadline: Submissions will be accepted from April 1 to May 31, 2026. Anything postmarked or emailed after May 31 will not be considered for the 2026 contest. Both electronic and print submissions are accepted. For those sending by post, entry packets including postage will be provided for any prison newspaper seeking to enter the
- [Categories](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/categories/) - Categories Awards for Publications Charles C. Clayton Award for Best Journalistic PerformanceFor outstanding coverage of an event or issue in a prison publication. (The Clayton Award is a judge-nominated award and not always given each year.) Best NewspaperFor general excellence in newspapers established before 2024. Best MagazineFor general excellence in a regularly published periodical or single
- [News & Press Releases](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/news-and-press-releases/) - News & Press Releases The resurrected American Penal Press Contest honors incarcerated journalistsThe Objective | December 18, 20252025 saw the revival of the historic journalism awards, once called the Pulitzers of prison newsrooms, after a 35-year hiatus. Newspaper at Oklahoma's largest women's prison awarded national recognitionKOSU Radio | November 4, 2025The Mabel Bassett Balance, launched
- [Sponsor the Contest](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/sponsor-the-awards/) - Sponsor the Contest Join us in celebrating excellence.The Penal Press Contest is dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements in journalism and media. By becoming a sponsor, you not only support the advancement of quality journalism but also position your brand alongside excellence and integrity in the industry. Become a Sponsor Why Sponsor? Visibility: Gain exposure
- [2025 Winners](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/winners-2025/) - 2025 Winners After a more than 30-year hiatus, the American Penal Press Contest is back! We received 179 submissions from 21 prison publications across nine states. The publications, stories, and individuals below represent the best of the best in prison journalism. View the winners by clicking on the categories and scroll down for photos. Read
- [History](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/history/) - "Pulitzer Prize ... behind bars" For nearly as long as there have been newspapers in America, there has been a prison press. The Forlorn Hope appeared in 1800, a tiny paper that an impoverished lawyer named William Keteltas hoped might free him from New York debtor’s prison. By 1887, ambitions grew when a group of bank-robbing
- [Contact](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/contact/) - Get in Touch Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional)
- [Past Winners](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/past-winners/) - Past Winners coming soon Previous Next
- [Volunteer Opportunities](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/volunteer-opportunities/) - Volunteer Opportunities at the Penal Press Awards The Penal Press Awards relies on the dedication and passion of volunteers to help us recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism. Whether you’re a student looking to gain experience, a professional wanting to give back to the community, or someone passionate about media, we welcome your support!
- [Terms of Conditions](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/terms-of-conditions/) - penalpressawards Terms of Conditions Welcome to the Penal Press Awards website. By accessing and using this website, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not use this website. 1. Acceptance of Terms By using
- [Privacy Policy](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/privacy-policy-2/) - penalpressawards Privacy Policy At Penal Press Awards, we are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all our users, participants, and visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you interact with our website. Information We Collect Information We Collect We may collect the following types of
- [FAQ](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/faq/) - Frequently Asked Questions About Penal Press Awards What is the submission process for the Penal Press Awards? To submit an entry for the Penal Press Awards, applicants must provide the required information and materials by the designated deadline. The application process involves completing the necessary forms and providing supporting documentation as outlined in the submission
- [Events & News](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/events-news/)
- [Donate](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/donate/)
- [More about SIU or other collaborators?](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/more-about-siu-or-other-collaborators/)

## Categories

- [Best feature](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/2025-american-penal-press-winners/best-feature/)
- [2025 American Penal Press Winners](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/2025-american-penal-press-winners/)
- [Best long-form magazine](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/2025-american-penal-press-winners/best-long-form-magazine/)
- [Best local coverage](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/2025-american-penal-press-winners/best-local-coverage/)
- [Best opinion](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/2025-american-penal-press-winners/best-opinion/)
- [Best sports coverage](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/2025-american-penal-press-winners/best-sports-coverage/)
- [Press Release](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/category/press-release/)

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- [CCWF Paper Trail](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/tag/ccwf-paper-trail/)
- [1664](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/tag/1664/)
- [North Carolina Prison News Today](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/tag/north-carolina-prison-news-today/)
- [The Echo](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/tag/the-echo/)
- [The Cajun Press](https://americanpenalpresscontest.org/tag/the-cajun-press/)