The Harbinger Prize 2024 shortlist announcement

By Kimberly Yanez

The Oxford School for the Future of Journalism is thrilled to announce the shortlist for the Harbinger Prize 2024. This year, we invited teens aged 15–17 from around the world to submit their compelling pieces, and the response has been truly inspiring.

Among the many entries, we were delighted to discover a rich tapestry of strong and determined voices, each reflecting a profound sense of empathy and justice. These young creators bravely shared their thoughts, passions, and perspectives, reminding us of the power of storytelling in driving meaningful change.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 13 talented individuals who have made it to the shortlist for the Harbinger Prize 2024. Their work stands as a testament to the creativity and resilience of today’s youth. The shortlisted finalists are:

Arnav Maheshwari, United States
Clara Amry, Austria
Claire Shang, United States
Dasha Yaremenko, France
Elena Ntloko, South Africa
Gavriella Epstein-Lightman, United Kingdom
Kseniia Metenko, Ukraine
Nai Leah Hartwig, Germany
Noa Gomberg, Australia
Reva Sobti, United States
Reya Nikole Maryella Siojo, Philippines
Samantha de Mesa, Philippines
Zirong Xu, Singapore

Following this announcement, we will contact each of them to join an interview period from September 10–20. The winners will be known on September 30, 2024. Make sure to subscribe to the Harbingers’ Weekly Brief to stay tuned with the latest information.

As we celebrate this year’s shortlist, we want to remind everyone of the awards and opportunities awaiting our winners:

Magazine participation: Seven category winners will become integral members of the Harbingers’ Magazine team, shaping editorial and content decisions.

The Harbinger Prize: An extraordinary talent will be honoured with a custom reporting journey, guided by a mentor from the OXSFJ.

Educational enhancement: From October 2024 to May 2025, winners will benefit from weekly two-hour tutoring sessions in our Essential Journalism course, along with an additional hour of editing lessons post-course.

Expand your circle: Winners may invite two friends to join this educational adventure, turning individual accolades into shared experiences.

Publication and stipend: Shortlisted authors may receive publication offers for their work, accompanied by a £50 stipend.

We would like to express our gratitude to all participants for supporting and empowering the next generation of voices.