As emerging forms of digital media increasingly complement and reshape traditional news sources, two divisions of the Times News Media Group, the Times News, Lehighton, and Lehigh Valley Press, Allentown, are revitalizing the role of print news in education through their Newspapers in Education program.

In collaboration with the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, this initiative brings local newspapers directly into classrooms across the region, offering students a unique and engaging way to connect with their community while honing their academic skills.

Nationwide, the NIE program has deep roots, dating back to the 1930s when educators in New York City first requested that The New York Times be delivered to their classrooms. The concept quickly spread, and by the mid-1960s, over 100 newspapers across the United States had embraced the program. Despite a decline in print newspaper readership with the advent of the internet, the Times News and Lehigh Valley Press are proving that local newspapers still have a vital role in education.

This year, the local NIE program has seen a remarkable resurgence. With eight school districts covered by the Times News and 12 by Lehigh Valley Press, over 3,000 newspapers are set to be distributed to local schools each week. This increase in outreach is a testament to the program’s relevance and the communities’ strong desire to integrate local news into education.

“I love the program as it incorporates well-written, fairly easy-to-read, and relevant content,” said Thomas Condly, seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at L.B. Morris School in Jim Thorpe. “Sometimes students read the newspapers independently if they have finished an assignment early. Other times, I may assign an article for them to read as a class. Or I might read an article to them and we discuss it. We have used them as a model and written our own news stories and articles. The newspapers are an excellent source of engaging and current nonfiction content.”

The program is designed to be accessible to all schools at no cost. Whether in kindergarten or high school, students of all ages can benefit from the newspaper’s diverse content. From cutting and pasting pictures in early grades to analyzing engineering graphs in high school, the newspaper’s real-world relevance enhances learning across subjects.

A recent partnership with Kid Scoop, which is owned by Creative Impact, LLC, a California-based educational organization, has added an exciting dimension to the NIE program. Kid Scoop’s activities page, featured in the newspaper, makes learning about global events engaging and interactive. Additionally, educators receive access to extra resources to maximize the benefits of the Kid Scoop page.

This year, the Times News and Lehigh Valley Press are also introducing classroom contests and literacy programs, such as “Classroom of the Month,” to further incentivize participation. Prizes like Amazon gift cards and classroom supplies are designed to motivate students and teachers alike.

The overwhelming response from schools and educators highlights the program’s success. New partnerships with local organizations, including Allentown Rotary, Crayola and Just Born, demonstrate strong community support. Ongoing efforts to secure additional sponsorships and grants aim to sustain and expand the program’s reach.

The Times News Media Group remains committed to fostering literacy and community engagement through this program. With nearly doubled participation this school year and a range of new initiatives, the NIE program continues to make a significant impact on local education. As the program evolves, it promises to enhance learning experiences and inspire a new generation of informed, engaged citizens.