Fifteen chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists received grants from the Society to help fund special programs in 1996.

The grants, ranging from $100 to $500, will be used to help defray the costs of activities such as a high school journalism workshop, a hands-on computer technology conference, a seminar on religion and the media, the production of a videotaped debate on the Society's ethics code, and an international reporting seminar.

"The quality of the programs being planned by our local chapters is of the highest caliber," said Kelly Hawes, SPJ president. "And the commitment on the part of our chapter leaders to offer these programs for members and the public is exciting to see. I'm glad that the Society is able to assist in their efforts."

Student chapters receiving funds are Auburn University, Colorado State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Professional chapters are Cleveland, Eastern Oklahoma, Greater Buffalo, Indiana, Inland Northwest, Montana, New England, Northern Mariana Islands, San Diego, West Virginia and Western Illinois.