Welcome to Newspapers In Education

Bay Area News Group’s NIE literacy program is one of the pillars of the parent project, The Knowledge Network and is designed to help teachers use newspapers in the classroom in creative ways to integrate reading, writing, math, and thinking skills.

Bay Area News Group underwrites most of the cost by providing newspapers and online access to teachers and students while local companies and our subscribers donate the balance. Teachers also receive free curriculum materials, training and other extras to assist them in using the newspaper as a supplementary textbook.

The Bay Area News Group's literacy program is year-round. There is great flexibility to when newspapers are available or how frequently teachers can receive delivery. (Programs are first-come, first-served, however, and supplies might be limited.)

What is it?

• A not-for-profit literacy program provided free to schools.
• A reading skills program, introducing students to the real world with newspapers and related teaching materials.
• Underwritten by Bay Area News Group and over 300 corporate sponsors that support education.
• Endorsed by County Offices of Education and over 140 local school districts.
• An effective curriculum program exclusively for teachers.

Participating Schools

Any public or private school in the Bay Area News Group market can participate. We serve 108 school districts with an enrollment of more than 600,000 students. There are also 325 private schools, and over 60 Adult Schools and Occupational Centers that benefit from these literacy programs.

The Benefits of Newspapers in the Classroom

The newspaper is a unique tool. Students young and old are captivated by the "real life" quality of the newspaper. Name a subject and today's paper touches it in some way. From kindergarten students cutting and pasting pictures to high school seniors studying economic graphs and charts, the newspaper is well suited for teaching at any level. In addition to the benefits of the (hard) newspaper in the classroom we also offer online access to our news via mercurynews.com, eastbaytimes.com, marinij.com, and santacruzsentinel.com. This access allows teachers and students to continue their assignments at home when the (hard) newspaper may not be available.

• Newspapers are the most up-to-date, inexpensive "textbook" there is. They bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world.
• Newspapers help students become informed and responsible citizens. They help produce the global outlook so necessary to survive in our new economy.
• Newspapers are motivational and produce positive attitudes toward reading. Everyone can find something they enjoy in the newspaper, from the comics to the classifieds.
• Newspapers teach students to read effectively and critically.
• Once students learn how to use the newspaper to gain information, they have a tool for life.
• Online access to the news at home for both teachers and students will extend the possibility of learning in a more modern way.

Support Newspapers In Education

Because of budget cuts, local school districts can no longer afford to purchase newspapers for their classrooms even at our low not-for-profit rates - and even when accompanying curriculum materials are free.

Donations from the community are used to help offset the cost of providing newspapers. Bay Area News Group absorbs all administrative costs (including the curriculum guides), so that every cent donated goes directly into the hands of local students.

To become a supporter of the NIE program, check out the sponsorship opportunities here!

Contact Information