Healthy NewsWorks student reporters spent the 2024-25 school year sharpening their writing, research, and communication skills while also developing meaningful social-emotional skills that support their growth as communicators and collaborators. A new program evaluation shows that students gained confidence, built stronger relationships, and applied what they learned beyond the classroom.
The mixed-methods analysis drew from 170 student reflections in Healthy NewsWorks’ flagship Core Program for students in fourth to eighth grade and end-of-year surveys completed by teachers in Healthy NewsWorks Core and Cub programs. The Cub Reporter program serves students in kindergarten to third grade. Students from 12 participating schools shared what they learned, the moments that were most meaningful to them, and how their experiences carried into daily life.
This year, evaluators also looked specifically at Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies using the CASEL Framework. All five SEL areas—Relationship Skills, Self-Management, Self-Awareness, Responsible Decision-Making, and Social Awareness—were present in student reflections, with Relationship Skills and Self-Management emerging most frequently. Students described collaborating more effectively with peers, managing nerves during interviews, becoming clearer speakers, and developing greater awareness of how their actions influence others.
Nearly all student reporters described gaining important health knowledge, journalistic skills, or social-emotional skills. Health topics—ranging from nutrition to kindness to heart health—were the most cited area of learning, mentioned by 77% of students. Many also highlighted new academic “hard skills,” such as interviewing and using trustworthy sources, and “soft skills,” including confidence and teamwork.
Teachers reported similarly strong outcomes in their year-end surveys. In the Core Reporter program, every teacher expressed that Healthy NewsWorks provide skills and knowledge students otherwise would not have access to during the school day. On average, they said 87% of their students gained health knowledge, 85% strengthened their writing skills, and 84% improved their research skills through their participation in the program. Every Core Reporter teacher also said they hoped to work with the program again.
“Students learn firsthand what trustworthy sources are as they research their stories. The students also are exposed deeper to many different health and medical related issues they may not otherwise be exposed to in the school day.” —Fifth grade teacher
“Some skills that were fostered were communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.” —Third grade teacher
Cub Reporter teachers also saw meaningful gains. This Cub Reporter program includes three variations —Kind Kids, Super Snackers, and Hearty Kids — each designed to introduce students to age-appropriate health and journalism concepts. Teachers estimated that more than 90% of young reporters increased their understanding of kindness, healthy snacking, or heart health. All teachers said they would recommend the program to colleagues:
“Healthy NewsWorks has been such a wonderful experience! It has been amazing to see how students have progressed over the year and how excited they are when an edition of the newspaper is published.” —middle school teacher
“I think it’s a fantastic program and it makes writing fun again. The students have complete control over the content so they take more ownership and are active in what goes in the paper.” —Fourth-grade teacher
What stands out in this year’s evaluation, said Moriah Hall, Healthy NewsWorks board member who oversees evaluation for the organization, is the range and depth of student learning. “The thoughtful, grade-leveled curriculum that HNW teachers and staff develop each year truly comes to life in the students’ reflections. It’s clear that when we intentionally emphasize specific skills and concepts, those lessons stay with students,” she said.
Moriah noted that students connected their journalism experiences to real-world application—linking interviewing to confidence in public speaking, research to better decision-making, and health lessons to everyday habits. “These insights show not only what students gained but also provide an essential feedback loop for strengthening future programming,” she said. “Overwhelmingly, students shared what this program means to them and how they plan to carry its lessons forward.”
