Reporting Lab, a CPSI CoLAB

The Reporting Lab is a solutions-driven journalism initiative dedicated to addressing pressing social, environmental, and justice issues in Rochester and beyond.

A collaborative effort of RIT's School of Communication and Center for Public Safety Initiatives, this unique lab brings together students, faculty, and community partners to produce deeply researched, multimedia storytelling that highlights local and regional challenges while rigorously investigating potential solutions from other communities.

By adopting a solutions journalism approach, the lab not only reports on problems but also explores proven strategies and innovations from other regions that may offer new perspectives for addressing issues in Rochester.

Housed within the Center for Public Safety Initiatives (CPSI), the lab leverages CPSI’s expertise in social science research, data analysis, and established community partnerships, providing student journalists with a robust foundation for impactful, evidence-based reporting. Guided by a journalist-in-residence, students gain hands-on experience through mentorship and collaboration, with opportunities for real-time feedback and co-reporting on major stories.

The lab also partners with professional media outlets, supporting their reporting efforts and providing students with a platform to publish their work. Additionally, the lab fosters collaboration with student journalists from other colleges and universities, creating a broader network of young reporters equipped to address community issues. By blending academic rigor with real-world impact, the Reporting Lab is developing a new generation of journalists ready to foster informed, solutions-oriented conversations across communities.