asu is moving on two fronts at once, unveiling a new training collaboration for journalists while also rolling out expanded, no-cost campus support for veterans pursuing college. The journalism partnership links Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with the Poynter Institute to widen professional development opportunities nationwide. The veterans initiative launches under TRIO Student Support Services and is available to qualifying students across ASU’s Tempe, Polytechnic, West Valley and Downtown campuses.
Asu and Poynter link up through CronkitePro
The Cronkite School and the Poynter Institute have launched a collaboration designed to expand professional development opportunities for journalists and media professionals nationwide, with the announcement based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Under the partnership, select Poynter resources will be integrated into CronkitePro, the Cronkite School’s professional training initiative. The stated aim is to provide working journalists, communicators and storytellers access to expertise focused on skill development, investigative and interviewing techniques, and emerging newsroom practices.
In practical terms, the move positions CronkitePro as a hub where participants can tap into training material drawn from both institutions, while keeping the focus on the everyday needs of working professionals. The collaboration is framed as a response to the demands facing journalism and media work as newsroom practices evolve.
New TRIO Student Support Services Veterans program expands no-cost resources
At the same time, Arizona State University’s TRIO Student Support Services has launched a new program for veterans interested in pursuing a college education. The TRIO Student Support Services Veterans program provides resources at no cost, including academic tutoring, personalized career guidance, no-cost printing, dedicated study spaces, and what the university describes as a supportive community of fellow veterans. These resources are available to qualifying students on the Tempe, Polytechnic, West Valley and Downtown campuses.
“It’s really exciting to launch TRIO SSS Veterans, ” said Marcelino Quiñonez, executive director of ASU’s Educational Outreach and Student Services. He added that ASU has “over 18, 000 military-connected families” and emphasized that TRIO Student Support Services operates across all four campuses with a shared focus on ensuring students are supported academically, socially, and in preparation for future careers.
Eligibility is defined under federal TRIO guidelines. The program serves eligible student veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, and Reserve members. Veterans must have a discharge status other than dishonorable to qualify under federal TRIO guidelines. Veterans must have served in the U. S. military, be a U. S. citizen or U. S. permanent resident, be enrolled full-time, and meet at least one of the listed criteria under those guidelines.
Immediate reactions from veterans using the program
Student veterans described the value of structured support and direct, face-to-face help. Kaiden Murphy, an Army veteran and sophomore studying psychology at the Tempe campus, said, “TRIO SSS helped me set up goals and take away stress from my day-to-day life on campus. … I applied because I felt like it would benefit me in the long run and provide me with the resources I need. ”
Jonah Gibson, an Army veteran studying engineering at the Tempe campus, said, “TRIO is always there if you need something. Being able to talk to someone face to face makes the experience more enjoyable. ” He added, “You can never have too many resources. When people actually care, it makes a difference. ”
Victor Sanchez, an Army veteran and third-year business administration student on the West Valley campus, said he “appreciates the individual study rooms that TRIO SSS provides, ” along with “materials for your classes if you need them. ” Sanchez said his bond with the veteran community pushed him to apply: “As a veteran, I know how important it is to have a community around you, especially with other veterans. … We have a bond through our service that cannot be broken. ”
Sujeily Garcia Torres, a Navy veteran studying dietetics at ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus, said that after transitioning out of the military she needed “help, a sense of community and a support system while adjusting to student life, ” adding that the program provides people she can look to for guidance and answers.
Quick context and what’s next
Both announcements land as professional training and student support programs compete to meet fast-changing needs—inside newsrooms and across campuses. Each effort is structured around practical, skills-based resources and community support.
Next steps will center on participation: working professionals engaging with the integrated CronkitePro training materials and eligible veterans applying for TRIO Student Support Services Veterans on ASU’s four campuses. As these rollouts continue, asu is positioning the two initiatives as immediate, on-the-ground support—one for journalists sharpening their craft, and one for veterans building their academic path.
