Suburban high schools awarded grants for journalism programs

Elk Grove, Metea Valley, Prospect and York high schools are among 18 schools across the state receiving grants for their journalism efforts, the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Foundation announced Thursday.

More than $22,000 in grants will be distributed to the schools in the fall to pay for laptops, cameras, podcasting stations and more, according to the organization.

The Illinois Press Foundation board's Education Committee selected the grant recipients from a large field of applicants.

"While we had initially planned to award 15 grants, the committee was more than happy to be able to get a few more schools involved in this year's program with the funding we had available" said Illinois Press Foundation Director Jeff Rogers.

"The foundation and its board are so proud of the program, and of the work being done by student journalists and their remarkable advisers throughout the state."

Elk Grove High School will receive $1,500 for laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots, newsprint and podcast equipment.

Metea Valley High in Aurora will receive $749 for a Canon camera.

Prospect High in Mount Prospect will receive $1,500 for two Nikon D3500 cameras and a 70-300mm lens

York High in Elmhurst will receive $900 for a small podcasting station.