Hollister Middle and Hollister High School Broadcasting Programs Receive Grants

The Hollister School District's Media Programs are getting upgrades thanks to a grant.

The full release from the school district is below:

Hollister Schools is proud to announce that the Hollister Middle School and Hollister High School broadcasting journalism programs have received grant support through the Coover Foundation for the project titled Tiger Media Journalism: Powering Community Connection through Student Voice. The nearly $5,000 grant will provide upgraded professional broadcasting equipment to enhance student-led media production and community storytelling.

The project will support the district’s Tiger 5 News and TigerTube journalism programs through the purchase of professional-grade 4K video and audio equipment. The upgraded equipment will allow students to produce higher-quality coverage of athletics, fine arts, Board of Education recognitions, service-learning projects, and community events.

“This investment helps provide students with real-world experiences using industry-level technology while also strengthening communication and connection with our families and community members.”

Hollister Middle School Principal Dr. Rachel Hodges emphasized the impact the project will have on student learning opportunities.

“This grant provides students with valuable hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Hodges. “Students are developing communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while helping tell the story of our schools and community in meaningful ways.”

Hollister High School Principal Dr. Kristina Smith shared excitement about the opportunities the upgraded equipment will create for students preparing for future careers.

“We are proud to offer students authentic learning experiences that connect directly to college and career readiness,” said Dr. Smith. “These upgraded tools will allow students to create professional-quality content while building confidence and technical skills that will benefit them well beyond high school.”

Students involved in Journalism I and II courses will utilize the new equipment beginning in Fall 2026 after completing technical certification training. The upgraded technology will support live-streamed athletic contests, fine arts performances, monthly Board of Education recognitions, and special projects that highlight student achievement and community involvement.

Beyond technical skills, the project emphasizes career readiness through collaboration, storytelling, interviewing, deadline management, and ethical journalism practices. Students will gain experience with professional 4K workflows, audio engineering, and broadcast production standards while helping create a digital archive of Hollister Schools and the surrounding community.

Hollister Schools appreciates the support of the Coover Foundation and its investment in student opportunity, workforce readiness, and the future of rural journalism.