The Pantagraph and Education

The Pantagraph continually works to promote literacy and learning. On these pages, you will find information about education in Central Illinois, learn about The Pantagraph's ongoing programs in education, and learn how students can benefit from the newspaper.

The Pantagraph's market area is home to seven colleges and universities, and several school districts.

At the primary and secondary level, McLean County districts with the highest enrollment are Bloomington District 87 which serves 5,813 students in the City of Bloomington, and McLean County Unit 5 which serves 9,450 students in Bloomington, Normal and several nearby communities.

Other districts are: Gridley Unit 10, Heyworth Unit 4, LeRoy District 2, Lexington Unit 7, Olympia Unit 16, Ridgeview Unit 19, and Tri-Valley Unit 3.

Two universities offer a variety of cultural fare including concerts, symphonies and plays. Illinois State University, Normal, has an enrollment of over 20,000, and more than 2,000 students attend Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington.

Other institutions of higher education in the Pantagraph's market area include: Heartland Community College in Bloomington, Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Eureka College in Eureka, Lincoln College in Normal and College of Nursing in Bloomington.

The Pantagraph's programs in education include Newspaper in Education, Student of the Year, Spelling Bee, Straight-A Program, Scholar-Athlete Award Program, Young Columbus, and newspaper workshops for students.

Newspaper in Education is an international program in existence for more than 30 years. More than 700 newspapers have NIE programs. NIE puts newspapers in classrooms as a topical, relevant curriculum supplement. To participate in NIE, teachers set up a classroom subscription, usually a newspaper for each student in the classroom one day a week. Teachers then use the newspapers in activities that enhance the lessons and skills they teach.