Celebrating The CGA Press: A New Voice For Online School Journalism

In the dynamic world of online education, creating spaces for students to express themselves and build skills beyond the virtual classroom is essential. Crimson Global Academy (CGA) has done just that, fostering a thriving online community of student journalism, through its student-led newspaper, The CGA Press.

Now celebrating its two-year anniversary, The CGA Press has become more than just a publication; it's a platform for student voices, aspiring journalists studying the journalism diploma, a tool for hands-on learning, and an essential part of CGA's rich extracurricular landscape.

The Founding Of CGA Press

The CGA Press started as an ambitious project with a clear mission: to provide students with a platform to explore journalism beyond the classroom of the US High School Diploma pathway, and share stories that matter to them.

As a fully online institution, CGA is uniquely positioned to bring together diverse perspectives from students located all over the world, and The CGA Press channeled this same approach, harnessing this global reach to create a newspaper that reflects a range of interests, backgrounds, and viewpoints.

The newspaper was designed by students to create an opportunity to experience the different facets of journalism, from writing and editing to layout design and digital publishing. The newspaper quickly evolved, with each issue becoming a testament to the talents and dedication of its contributors.

Two Years Of Fostering Student Journalism

As The CGA Press marks its second year of production, it stands as a successful and growing initiative, expanding to cover broader topics such as current affairs, culture, sports and lifestyle. This evolution reflects the interests of CGA's student body, which spans multiple countries and educational backgrounds.

One of the key factors behind the newspaper's success has been its role in fostering a sense of community among online students. In a setting where physical presence is absent, The CGA Press serves as a unifying platform where students can connect, collaborate, and share their experiences.

The paper's digital nature allows contributors to engage with peers from different time zones and cultures, enriching the journalistic process and making each publication a truly global effort.

Journalism As A Learning Experience

The CGA Press is not just a platform for sharing news; it is also a hands-on educational experience that complements CGA’s rigorous academic programme.

The process of running a newspaper teaches students skills that go beyond the written word.

They learn to work to deadlines, engage in constructive feedback from peers, and make editorial decisions. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the paper's production fosters leadership and teamwork, equipping students with real-world skills that will serve them in university and their future careers.

The editorial team encourages student writers to delve into subjects they are passionate about, allowing for a range of article types—from opinion pieces and reviews to investigative reports. This freedom cultivates a passion for journalism and empowers students to take ownership of their work.

For some, it has even sparked aspirations to pursue careers in media and communications.

Part of a Broader Extracurricular Landscape

The success of The CGA Press is a reflection of Crimson Global Academy's commitment to providing a holistic education.

CGA’s robust selection of extracurricular opportunities includes over 30 clubs and interest groups from STEM and arts to international relations and debate. The school’s extracurricular program is designed to cater to the diverse interests of its students while helping them develop practical skills and leadership abilities.

Participation in extracurricular activities, like The CGA Press, is an integral part of CGA’s ethos. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, challenge themselves, and build a portfolio of experiences that enhances their academic journey.

Programmes such as Model United Nations, and entrepreneurial clubs, complement the academic curriculum, giving students the tools to explore their passions and achieve their full potential.

A Bright Future for Student Journalism

The founding of The CGA Press has been a key element in Crimson Global Academy’s extracurricular ecosystem, offering a platform where student voices can be heard and empowering them to become articulate, informed, and engaged global citizens.

With a spirit of continuous improvement, The CGA Press has set a high standards for what student-led media can achieve in an online school setting. As the newspaper looks ahead to future anniversaries, it will no doubt continue to shape, and be shaped by, the talented students who bring it to life.