Pueblo -- Secondary teachers from the 11 counties of Southeastern Colorado are invited to become involved in the National History Day program, which begins this month and culminates in a regional competition on March 13, 2004 at the Colorado State University - Pueblo campus. Regional winners then have the opportunity to compete at the state and national levels.

National History Day is a national system of support for history teachers that provides curriculum materials, with suggestions about how to give junior, middle, and high school students an opportunity to research a topic over a period of several months. The National History Day program includes a series of optional competitions at the regional, state, and national levels, in which students share what they have learned on their topic through entries linked to the annual theme. This year's theme is "Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History."

Last year, Alison Panza of Connect School in Pueblo District #70, earned the top individual prize, a $1,000 scholarship to CSU-Pueblo, for her entry titled "Freedom of the Press."

The competitions have two divisions, junior division for grades 6-8, and senior division for grades 9-12. Students can work alone or in groups of two-to-five for competition entries. They can present their research in a choice of formats, including a research paper, tabletop exhibit, performance, or documentary.

Teachers interested in becoming involved in the National History Day or attending a November workshop about the program are asked to contact Scott Whited, Regional co-coordinator, National History Day in Southeastern Colorado, (719) 549-2179.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.