The Rural Journalism Institute of the San Luis Valley trains early-career and aspiring journalists to work and perform their craft in rural communities with populations under 20,000.  The Institute offers exposure to a vibrant, diverse rural market through its location in Alamosa, Colorado, and the greater San Luis Valley.  Training and education is achieved through fellowships and internships sponsored by the institute.

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RJI/SLV emphasizes story development in these areas:

• agriculture and farming operations

• water and environment

• small town economies

• local public officials and governments

• arts, culture & history

• education

• health equity

• infrastructure

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Training emphasizes the use of digital tools for reporting and storytelling in small markets to create awareness and understanding around the consumption of digital media in small markets.

The RJI/SLV uses its unique and culturally and economically diverse setting to give early-stage journalists first-hand experience reporting on small towns in rural settings, and facilitates and encourages the employment of journalists in small communities.