News literacy initiative expands to reach more than 1.1 million students
District Fellowship program provides $30,000 grants to teach news literacy districtwide
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 15, 2025 — The News Literacy Project today announced that 14 school districts have joined the District Fellowship program, including Chicago 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.
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.
This year marks the launch of state-based networks in Pennsylvania and Utah, where multiple districts will collaborate to share best practices, create resources and troubleshoot challenges. These regional hubs will foster sustained professional communities that support news literacy instruction across entire states — an approach that successfully piloted last year with five districts in California.
“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.”
Applications for the next fellowship cohort open in October and close in December. Beginning in January, applications for future cohorts will be accepted on a rolling basis.
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
Click here to learn more about the District Fellowship program.
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.
