College students mentor high schoolers at a student run newspaper in Nashville

College students and recent graduates manage The Nashville SUNN, a citywide student run newspaper that trains teenagers in journalism.

Amanda Little founded the Students United News Network in 2024 to provide reporting opportunities for youth. The Nashville SUNN serves as the network's first local affiliate, connecting 24 high schools across Nashville. College editors from Vanderbilt University and Belmont University provide developmental edits and mentorship to teenage writers.

These editors work with students who may have no prior journalism training, helping them structure op-eds and news stories. The publication produces between 20 to 24 pieces per issue, which are released in both online and print formats. The newspaper pays student writers between $50 and $125 depending on the specific assignment. The organization aims to reach students at schools that lack established journalism programs.

To do this, college editors recruit students through local English teachers and host free workshops at a downtown library. These sessions bring together students, college editors, and local journalists from outlets like NPR and NewsChannel 5. The initiative also provides college students with leadership experience and accountability as they manage the publication's daily operations.