In 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding as a nation. In preparation for this semiquincentennial, GBH is launching America’s Awesome Kids, an initiative that seeks to capture and showcase a wide range of kids (ages 8-10) and their unique geographies, customs, interests, skills, and experiences. GBH is looking to partner with local public media stations to find real kids – one in 25 different states – to feature in 3-5 minute videos that will be distributed on PBS KIDS platforms.
This webinar will introduce you to the goals of the America’s Awesome Kids initiative in fostering important civics knowledge and skills, and detail how your station can apply to be one of 23 public media stations to find awesome kids in your community and field produce these shorts. America’s Awesome Kids is made possible thanks to a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Learning Goals / Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the America’s Awesome Kids initiative and its goals to foster important civics knowledge and skills as well an appreciation of country.
- Learn about the proposal and selection process, including the resources and support GBH will provide, and what participating stations will be responsible for providing.
- Learn about a new educational kit and how to access it.
All stations are eligible to apply to be an America’s Awesome Kids co-production partner except for those in these states or cities that are covered by a similar program: Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C.
Download the America’s Awesome Kids RFP
🗓️ Mark your calendar from 4-5 PM ET/1-2 PM PT on June 25, July 2, and July 9 to attend one of the GBH-hosted office hours where GBH will answer specific questions about the RFP. Join any of these sessions live using this link.
Presenters:
- Dorothea Gillim, executive producer and creative director, GBH Kids
- Mary Haggerty, director of media engagement, GBH Education
- Bara Levin, senior director, national audience development and station services
- Melissa Pollard, line producer, GBH Kids
