At Maine’s colleges and universities, local news is part of a well-rounded education
If you are under age 35, you should know that local newspapers used to be a “thing” on college campuses. There’d be more than a few dailies in the student center, boxes of free weeklies on corners and national or even international publications in the library.
While there are still a few hard copies out there, this fall local “newspapers” will again be a thing for thousands of Maine college students, faculty and staff.
Complimentary one-year digital subscriptions to all Maine Trust for Local News publications, including the Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal, Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal, will be given to students, faculty and staff throughout the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, Husson University and Thomas College, courtesy of Bangor Savings Bank.
“By helping provide access to trusted local news, we are investing in civic engagement and the long-term strength of our communities.”
Gavin Robinson, senior vice president, community relations manager and public finance officer at Bangor Savings Bank.
“Strong communities depend on people who are informed, connected and engaged,” said Gavin Robinson, senior vice president, community relations manager and public finance officer at Bangor Savings Bank. “By helping provide access to trusted local news, we are investing in civic engagement and the long-term strength of our communities. Local journalism helps everyone better understand the opportunities and decisions shaping the places where they live, learn and work, empowering them to play an active role in their communities.”
Through the program, eligible students, faculty and staff will register through a dedicated online landing page and receive digital access across desktop and mobile devices to pressherald.com, sunjournal.com and centralmaine.com. Subscriptions include local and statewide news, investigative reporting, business, sports, arts, opinion and access to publication archives, as well as Subscriber Perks.
While that breadth will support faculty engaging with current events and help students from out of state understand their new surroundings, a local news subscription may be particularly valuable to the thousands of students who are studying just hours from home and making plans to have a career in Maine after graduation.
“Maine’s community college students tend to come from — and ultimately stay and work in — their local communities, so having free access to the local news is a real gift,” said Maine Community College System President David Daigler.
Daigler said MCCS graduates go on to be the newest health care workers, emergency responders, tradespeople, business leaders and trusted members of their communities, so “staying on top of the news from the start of those careers is a smart move.”
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. We’re very thankful to Bangor Savings Bank, and are sure this will enhance our students’ personal and professional lives and help them be informed and engaged citizens.”
Providing access to local journalism also helps remove a barrier for young adults at a time when they are forming the media habits they may carry throughout their lives. A steady source of verified news and information can help them put classroom principles into practice as they prepare for their careers and civic life.
“Accurate timely information is essential to making the best possible decisions, personal or professional,” said David Smith, associate director of library services at Thomas College. “This program through the Maine Trust for Local News will provide a wonderful resource and a welcome opportunity for students to hone their critical thinking abilities.”
Local news can also bring the world outside campus into the classroom, from decisions being made at city hall or the State House to challenges facing Maine businesses and the in-depth stories of the people who call the state home.
“Husson University is pleased to partner with Bangor Savings Bank and the Maine Trust for Local News on this initiative, which gives Husson students and faculty access to up-to-date local news from around the state,” said Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, president of Husson University. “This will be an asset to our classes, which can incorporate current events seamlessly into lessons across subject areas. We’re grateful for this opportunity to reinforce the importance of local news and being an informed citizen.”
Newspapers may no longer be stacked in student centers, but the role of local news on campus hasn’t disappeared. With this initiative, organizations with a shared interest in Maine’s future will support the informed, engaged citizens who will help shape it.
“Providing Maine college students, faculty and staff with access to trusted local journalism reflects Bangor Savings Bank’s commitment to strengthening communities and supporting educational opportunities,” Robinson said. “We are proud to partner with Maine Trust for Local News and Maine’s colleges and universities to help students stay informed, engaged and prepared to contribute to Maine’s future. Education, access to information and community engagement all help create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.”
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