
The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection (CHNC) houses over 875 newspaper titles from every corner of the state, including many created by high school journalists. These publications highlight the vital role high school journalism programs play in personal growth, school culture, and fostering informed citizenship. Through these programs, students develop essential skills such as communication, research, and fact-checking while gaining experience with digital tools and teamwork. Additionally, high school journalism encourages civic engagement, raising awareness of current events and societal issues. It provides a platform for self-expression, amplifies student voices, and builds a sense of community by showcasing diverse perspectives and stories. Ultimately, these programs empower students to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Beyond their educational impact, high school newspapers are invaluable for genealogical research, offering unique insights into the lives, achievements, and activities of students and their communities from specific periods. These publications often include class rosters, awards, extracurricular activities, and notable events, providing a personal window into the past. They also capture local events, cultural trends, and societal issues, helping genealogists connect family histories to broader community narratives.
High school journalism programs not only prepare students for active participation in society by teaching free speech, ethics, and accountability but also reinforce democratic values and community engagement.
The CHNC has collaborated with high schools in Boulder, Chaffee, Denver, Eagle, Jefferson, Larimer, and Mesa Counties to digitize their newspapers from paper archives, microfilm, and PDF files. You can explore these treasures online through the CHNC. Does your school have a student newspaper program? Do you have access to archive copies of high school publications? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at CHNC-Support@coloradovirtuallibrary.org.
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