C.J. McCollum to Launch High School Journalism Program

C.J. McCollum has had a breakout year on the court, and is now making his mark off it, as well.

McCollum is launching a mentoring program for high school journalism students, according to a Trail Blazers press release.

The Portland guard has expressed interest in journalism before, and did interviews during last year’s NBA Finals. He’s always been a very insightful player, so he’s the perfect man to run the program. He even mentioned journalism as a reason for staying in college for his senior year.

The program, called C.J.’s Press Pass, will help students in the Madison High School Journalism Club by giving them behind-the-scenes access as members of the media. McCollum, a four-year journalism student, will also meet with the club to discuss his passion for the field.

Undoubtedly, the coolest part of the program is when McCollum hosts “Journalism Night” for the students on January 31. McCollum will give the students press passes, media credentials and a tour of the media area. There will also be a Q-and-A with different members of the media. Students will then produce a story based on their experiences.

It’s an awesome program for McCollum to start, and his involvement makes it clear how much he is invested in it. It’s not often an athlete embraces journalism like this, but McCollum has clearly had an interest in it for a while, and now has a way of giving back to his community.