Blue Cross Blue Shield Center for Racial Health & Equity

ThreeSixty Journalism

For the past nine years, Blue Cross has worked with ThreeSixty Journalism to support their Multimedia Storytelling Institute, a partnership aimed to empower the next generation of storytellers and increase understanding of health in Minnesota.

High school students who participate in the Multimedia Storytelling Institute have the opportunity to strengthen their writing and communications skills, work directly with some of the industry’s leading media professionals, and report on timely issues directly impacting the health of Minnesota communities. Throughout the three-week camp, students worked with mentors to create TV broadcast packages, print stories for the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press, and social media stories.

Twenty-two students participated in the 2026 Multimedia Storytelling Institute, focused on the theme of youth mental health. Students reported on the state of youth mental health in Minnesota, covering some of the greatest issues affecting youth wellbeing, treatment, and recovery.  Media partners included  KARE-11, KSTP-TV, TPT, the Minnesota Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, MinnPost, the University of Minnesota, Unicorn Riot, and Lindsey Seavert Studios.

For the students in this year’s cohort, reporting on youth mental health was about more than learning journalism skills—it was an opportunity to explore issues affecting their peers and communities while helping others feel seen and understood. By giving students the tools, mentorship, and platform to tell meaningful stories, the program continues to create opportunities for young voices to inform important conversations and bring fresh perspectives to Minnesota’s media landscape.

 

2026 Multimedia Storytelling Videos

CornerHouse helps families heal
Jason Lennox walks 1,776 miles around Minnesota for youth mental health
The Art of Being Me
Community and traditions help native youth
Men suffer from eating disorders too
Despite progress, vaping continues to impact Minnesota youth

 

2026 Print Stories