Helena Public Schools awarded $30,000 grant to teach news literacy districtwide

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10, 2025 — The News Literacy Project today announced that 14 school districts have been accepted to the District Fellowship program, including Helena Public Schools.

The three-year fellowship provides $30,000 grants and customized support to implement news literacy education districtwide, ensuring all students learn to think critically and engage responsibly with the news and information.

Helena Public School District will start the process of curriculum planning and implementation over the next month.

A study by the News Literacy Project reveals that a staggering 94% of teens believe media literacy should be a required part of their education. Yet the study found that most students aren’t receiving the instruction they need to navigate an increasingly complicated information landscape. The District Fellowship program exists to close this gap.

“Even though Gen Z and Gen Alpha are digital natives, they’re often overwhelmed by the nonstop flood of information online,” said Charles Salter, President and CEO of the News Literacy Project. “This year’s record participation in the fellowship program shows that district leaders get it: Students are hungry for news literacy, and educators are stepping up to meet that demand.”

Now in its fourth year, the fellowship spans 28 districts across 15 states, with the potential to reach more than 1.1 million students. Some of the largest school districts in the U.S. are a part of the program, including Los Angeles and Chicago. Suburban and rural districts of all sizes are also well-represented.

“Young people are eager to learn the critical, independent thinking skills they need to navigate the online world with confidence and avoid being misled,” said Ebonee Otoo, Senior Vice President of Educator Engagement at the News Literacy Project. “The District Fellowship program empowers districts to answer that urgent call.”

• Districts accepted to this year’s fellowship program include:
• Chicago Public Schools, IL
• Public Schools of Brookline, MA
• Helena Public Schools, MT
• Rochester City School District, NY
• Avonworth School District, PA
• Butler Area School District, PA
• Round Rock Independent School District, TX
• Southwest Educational Development Center, UT (representing six districts)
• Hancock County Schools, WV

About the News Literacy Project

The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan education nonprofit that works with teachers, school districts, states and community partners like libraries and after-school clubs to ensure students in all 50 states receive news literacy instruction before they graduate from high school. Learn more at www.newslit.org.