MIAMI, DECEMBER 17, 2025 – The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Prison Journalism Project (PJP), a national initiative that trains incarcerated writers to be journalists and publishes their stories, are proud to announce the launch of the third annual SPJ-PJP Stillwater Prison Journalism Awards.
Named in honor of the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater – the first U.S. prison with a newspaper written and managed exclusively by incarcerated individuals starting in 1887 – the Stillwater Awards recognize outstanding journalistic achievements from the incarcerated community nationwide.
The Stillwater Awards categories for 2026 include:
- Prison Publication of the Year
- New Prison Publication
- Best Reported Essay
- Best News Story
- Best Collaboration
- Best Feature
- Best Op-ed
- Best Illustration
- Best Online Publication
“The Stillwater Awards spotlight the remarkable work produced behind prison walls, reminding us that exceptional journalism can emerge from every corner of society,” said SPJ National President Chris R. Vaccaro. “At SPJ, we are honored to work alongside our friends at PJP to celebrate the courage and skill of incarcerated journalists.”
The Stillwater Awards embody SPJ and PJP’s shared commitment to elevate the visibility and recognition of incarcerated journalists’ meaningful work. In its second year in 2025, the program received 227 entries in 9 categories from facilities across the country, from Alaska to Miami. Entries were reviewed by 23 judges, including professional journalists, college journalism professors, a prison education specialist and an attorney (PJP is not involved in the judging). The 2026 awards aim to build on this momentum, culminating in a virtual celebration for honorees’ friends and family.
“Now in its third year, the Stillwater Awards have helped bring to light the perspectives and talents of prison journalists to ensure these voices are heard across the country,” SPJ-PJP Stillwater Awards Executive Director Michael Anguille said. “Their stories deepen our understanding of the impact incarceration has on individuals and communities, underscoring journalism’s essential role in every community.”
“Prison journalism has a rich and storied legacy, and its recent resurgence speaks to the resilience and creativity of incarcerated people,” PJP CEO and Editor-in-Chief Yukari Kane said. “At PJP, we witness daily how reporting builds bridges and drives change. The Stillwater Awards not only honor individual excellence but also highlight the growing importance of prison publications in our national dialogue.”
Eligible submissions must have been published between January 1 and December 31, 2025, while the writer was incarcerated (except for the Best Collaboration category). Entries may appear in any publication, including print or digital editions circulating inside or outside prisons. Submissions can be made online or via handwritten postal mail, either by the writer or an outside party on their behalf. Each writer may make up to two submissions across all categories. Participation is free and open to all incarcerated individuals nationwide, regardless of age or experience. Entries from all 50 states are welcome and will be judged by a panel of professional journalists, editors and journalism educators.
The deadline for submissions is February 16, 2026. Winners will be announced in May 2026 and receive SPJ membership and its benefits.
For more information, including submission requirements and category details, visit: https://www.spj.org/stillwater.asp.
ABOUT SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards and educating new generations of emerging professionals. For more information visit: https://www.spj.org/
ABOUT PRISON JOURNALISM PROJECT
Prison Journalism Project is a national, nonprofit journalism organization that trains and publishes incarcerated writers so they can shift the narrative on mass incarceration through journalism while building literacy, professional skills, and confidence for life after prison. Sign up for PJP’s newsletter, The Inside Story, at: prisonjournalismproject.org/newsletter/.
Press Contact:
Michael Anguille
Executive Director, SPJ-PJP Stillwater Awards
561-667-7346
stillwater.awards@gmail.com