The Dispatch Lab Program

A free, year-long journalism workshop for high schoolers in the Rivertowns

Covering topics like:
- How to develop a story idea
- How to acquire sources and get in contact with key people involved in your story
- How to investigate topics and use data to get an analytical spine for your story
- How to edit your story and execute the article for publication

Students create at least two pieces throughout the year.

How it works:
There will be a monthly meeting from October to June at the Rivertowns Dispatch office to meet your peers, workshop articles, and learn new skills for your journalist toolbox. You will also receive mentorship from a professional journalist for support through the writing and editing process. Completed articles go to the Dispatch editor, Tim Lamorte, for consideration to be published in the paper. The Dispatch will publish work from the Lab students twice yearly, with opportunity for more frequent appearances as news and stories unfold.

Accepted students will meet on the first Tuesday of every month from 7:15–8:30 p.m. at 145 Palisade Street Suite 200 (HudCo) in Dobbs Ferry.

Who are your mentors?

David Enrich:
- New York Times Deputy Investigative Editor, manages a team of reporters and covers topics regarding law and business. 
- Non-fiction author of Murder the Truth, The Spider Network and more.
- Has received numerous journalism awards.  

Jessica Silver-Greenberg:
- New York Times Investigative Business Reporter focused on big business healthcare.
- Was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal’s Money & Investing section.
- A finalist for two different Pulitzer Prizes and has received other awards.

Zachary Roth:
- Managing Editor at Democracy Docket, a leading pro-democracy news outlet.
- Former national reporter at MSNBC and editorial director at the Brennan Center for Justice
- Author of "The Great Suppression: Voting Rights, Corporate Cash, and the Conservative Assault on Democracy" (Crown)

Cassi Feldman:
- Managing Editor at New York Focus, a nonprofit newsroom covering state and local policy and politics.
- Was a senior enterprise editor for NBC News Digital and editor-in-chief of Type Investigations.
- Previously a reporter for the San Francisco Bay Guardian and City Limits, and an associate producer for 60 Minutes.

Application:
You can apply to this program here. We welcome one and all to apply to this program who live in or attend school in Ardsley, Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry or Irvington from grades 9 to 12. The application deadline is September 25, 2026.

Send any of your questions or comments to hello@rivertownsdispatch.com.