Overview
Youth Sentinel articles typically run 600 to 800 words. We only accept opinion-driven pieces when they meaningfully connect a science topic to youth impact or the perspective of younger generations.
Need help?
Reach the editors in chief at theyouthsentinel@gmail.com.
Age requirement
Contributors should be at least in 9th grade or the equivalent level.
Writing process
1. Develop and share a topic
Talk with an editor and an editor in chief before drafting.
2. Pass quality control
Bring basic research and a clear sense of the topic. Specific, intentional preparation is preferred.
3. Receive approval
Expect general comments and follow-up questions before you begin writing.
4. Write the piece
Regular check-ins are part of the process.
5. Submit for editing
Editors review, make edits, and verify the material before sending it back.
6. Revise collaboratively
Writers and editors go back and forth until the piece is ready.
7. Final editor in chief review
Editors then send the revised article to the editor in chief for publication readiness.
Citation requirements
Keep track of every source used in your reporting. MLA is preferred, but APA and Chicago are also accepted. If certain citation details are unavailable, fill in as much as you can rather than omitting the source.
Citation example
Reference article: How to Shop for Obamacare When Subsidies Are in Limbo
MLA
Author. "Title of Article/Page." Other Contributors. Name of Website, Publisher, Date of Publication, URL. Date of Access.
Sanger-Katz, Margot, and Reed Abelson. "How to Shop for Obamacare When Subsidies Are in Limbo." The New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/health/aca-obamacare-enrollment-health-insurance.html.
APA
Author. (Date of Publication). Title of article/page (Other Contributors) [Description]. Name of Website. URL
Abelson, R., & Sanger-Katz, M. (2025, November). How to Shop for Obamacare When Subsidies Are in Limbo. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/health/aca-obamacare-enrollment-health-insurance.html
Chicago
Author. "Title of Article/Page." Other Contributors. Name of Website. Publisher. Last modified Date (or publication date). URL.
Abelson, Reed, and Margot Sanger-Katz. "How to Shop for Obamacare When Subsidies Are in Limbo." The New York Times. Last modified November 1, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/01/health/aca-obamacare-enrollment-health-insurance.html.