Teesside University student joins elite team of environmental storytellers

First-year journalism student Jey Draper has secured a competitive environmental correspondent role, joining a small cohort of students from across the world.

Planet Forward, based at The George Washington University and led by Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno, is a prestigious initiative that empowers students to tell compelling stories about sustainability, climate change and innovation.

This year marks the programme’s 10th anniversary and its most competitive recruitment cycle to date.

Budding journalist Jey is the only representative from the United Kingdom, joining 13 students from the United States and Spain.

As a Planet Forward Correspondent, he will publish multimedia stories exploring key environmental issues on the Planet Forward platform, as well as participating in exclusive training events and engaging with a global network of sustainability experts.

Jey, 20, from Marske-by-the-Sea, said: “I was very excited when I landed the correspondent role.

“Planet Forward's motives and ambitions are ones that align with my personal interests, such as their strive for environmental sustainability and innovation through journalistic storytelling.”

He continued: “During my journey as a Planet Forward Correspondent, I am particularly interested in telling stories about environmental crises and how these relate to both social and economic factors.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to enhance my storytelling skills, advance my employability, network and collaborate with like-minded journalists, and explore unique and important environmental topics.”

Jey follows in the footsteps of Teesside University graduate Danny Nicholson, who served as a Planet Forward Correspondent last year before securing his dream job as Media and Marketing Officer at Middlesbrough Football Club.

Danny’s impactful reporting on the transition to net zero and community-led sustainability initiatives helped raise awareness of environmental action in the North East.

Teesside University has recently launched a new Environmental Storytelling unit, a university-wide initiative which aims to encourage students to engage with issues around climate science, biodiversity, and environmental justice using innovative multimedia techniques.

It will also offer opportunities for collaboration with organisations like its own Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, Planet Forward in Washington DC, and local sustainability groups.

Jim Entwistle, Senior Lecturer in Digital Journalism at Teesside University, said: “We’re proud that Jey’s passion for environmental storytelling has been recognised by Planet Forward.

“His success reflects the calibre of our students and the importance of embedding environmental awareness into journalism education.

“With the launch of our new Environmental Storytelling unit, we’re preparing the next generation of storytellers to tackle the planet’s most pressing challenges.”

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