Doña Ana Community College (DACC) in Las Cruces has taken a major step to strengthen local journalism by launching The Student Pulse, a student‑run digital newspaper. The initiative is funded by a $77,000 grant aimed at expanding journalism education and improving coverage in underserved parts of southern Doña Ana County.
Student reporters gain real‑world experience
At launch, The Student Pulse employs three student reporters who are already covering campus programs, student resources, local events, and other issues that affect the college community. DACC plans to add more reporters in the spring semester, giving additional students the chance to develop reporting skills and build portfolios for future careers.
Internship pipeline to local newsrooms
The grant also earmarks funds for student internships at several local media outlets, including Organ Mountain News, KRWG‑TV, News 22, and KRWG‑FM. These placements are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional newsroom environments, allowing students to apply classroom lessons to real stories that matter to their neighbors.
Beyond the newspaper: podcasts and a journalism club
Complementing the digital newspaper, DACC has introduced DACC Talks, a student‑produced podcast that features news updates and interviews about college events. The college has also partnered with New Mexico State University to create an informal journalism club for current, former, and incoming journalists throughout southern New Mexico. The club will serve as a forum for idea exchange, collaboration, and discussion of regional journalism challenges.
College officials emphasize community impact
“These platforms are important to news storytelling and allowing students an opportunity to report on matters that affect our community,” said Denise LaFrance‑Ojinaga, DACC’s public information officer and editor of the student‑run news program. She added, “The plan is to continue growing with reporters and stories, giving our students a pathway to continue their education onto a four‑year university like NMSU.”
The Student Pulse can be accessed online at student-pulse.ghost.io. By providing practical reporting experience and fostering partnerships with local media, DACC hopes to encourage more coverage of communities that have historically received less attention.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
