About
The MediaNews Group Journalism and Diversity Partnership was established in 2006 as a response to a lack of diversity in journalism – not only among the students who majored in journalism at Chico State, but in newsrooms across the nation.
The partnership was sparked by an accreditation report in 2003 that suggested that Chico State’s Department of Journalism should focus on recruiting students from underrepresented groups. The partnership grew out of discussions among Chico State journalism faculty member Dr. Dave Waddell university administrator Bob Alber and David Little, editor of the Chico Enterprise-Record, which is a MediaNews Group newspaper. The three worked with Sarah Fry, the chief development officer for the College of Communication and Education, over a period of many months to write a grant proposal requesting a total of $59,000 over four years. Little carried the proposal to corporate officers, who approved it in 2006.
The MediaNews Group Journalism and Diversity Partnership is a four-pronged approach to achieving greater diversity in journalism at Chico State and ultimately in the profession of journalism. The four parts include:
scholarships to attract a more diverse group of journalism students
stipends for students to participate in summer internships at MediaNews Group publications
recruitment efforts at high schools and community colleges throughout California
mentoring from professional journalists
As of the 2008-09 academic year, eight students have received MediaNews Group scholarships and seven students have received internship stipends. The partnership continues to build momentum and has developed particularly close relationships with Media Academy High School in Oakland, Stagg High School in Stockton, Southwestern College in Chula Vista, Bakersfield College and Modesto Junior College.
The partnership also funded an inspiring 2007 visit to Chico State by Martin Reynolds, editor of the Oakland Tribune, where Chico State students have interned during the past several summers.