WVPB Celebrates America’s 250th With New PBS KIDS Series ‘AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS’

[CHARLESTON, WV] — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) is proud to announce its role in the production of AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS, a new live-action short-form series premiering May 22, 2026, on PBS KIDS.

Produced by GBH Kids in coordination with 23 partnering PBS stations across the country — including WVPB — the series is part of PBS’ “PBS KIDS Across America” initiative. AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS features 25 mini-documentaries that showcase kids from across the country sharing what is special about where they live, their hobbies and passions, and how they are making a positive impact in their local communities.

From taking care of llamas in Iowa, to Bollywood dancing in Georgia, to exploring Cajun culture in Louisiana, the series celebrates the unique spirit of the next generation. Episodes showcase what makes local communities special and how kids are making a positive impact on the world around them.

“West Virginia has awesome kids! We know that and through our participation in this project with GBH, the word will spread,” said WVPB Education’s Curriculum Specialist, Margaret Miller. “Children across the state submitted videos sharing what is special about their community. From those submissions, one story was chosen to produce for inclusion in the national showcase.”

West Virginia Public Broadcasting contributed to the series by filming the story of 11-year-old Lucy, from Helvetia, West Virginia. Helvetia is a small town with deep Swiss roots. From traditional dancing at the local fair to parades in Swiss attire, join Lucy as she celebrates her heritage.

“America’s Awesome Kids reflects the lives of our young audience while also introducing them to the wide array of places, cultures and customs from around the country,” said Dorothea Gillim, executive producer and creative director of GBH Kids. “Working with other PBS stations on this series has been a great opportunity to leverage the strength of public media to capture a uniquely local story for a national audience.”  

Viewers in West Virginia can watch AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS beginning May 22 on West Virginia Public Broadcasting the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and streaming for free on the PBS KIDS Video App, pbskids.org and on the AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS YouTube channel.

AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS joins a robust summer lineup for the “PBS KIDS Across America” initiative, which kicks off May 1 with WOWSABOUT, a new special from The Jim Henson Company. Other highlights include the animated miniseries CITY ISLAND: USA! (June 12) and four new specials of XAVIER RIDDLE CELEBRATES AMERICAN HEROES (June 22).

For more information about local airtimes and community events surrounding America’s 250th, visit wvpublic.org.

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About West Virginia Public Broadcasting: The mission of West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) is to educate, inform and inspire our people by telling West Virginia’s story. WVPB is an indispensable resource for education, news and public affairs, emergency services and economic development. Learn more at wvpublic.org or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

About GBH: GBH is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture and journalism. GBH is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and ARTHUR and MOLLY OF DENALIEand a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. GBH’s television channels include GBH 2, GBH 44, GBH Kids and national services GBH WORLD and Create. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Boston’s Local NPR; CRB Classical 99.5; CAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station, and as a partner to NEPM in Springfield. Dedicated to making media accessible to and representative of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to audience members who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. With PBS LearningMedia, GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide. GBH’s local programming includes Boston Public Radio, GBH News Rooted, Stories from the Stage, The Culture Show, The Curiosity Desk, and High School Quiz Show. GBH has been recognized with hundreds of the nation’s premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards. Find more information at gbh.org.

About PBS KIDS: PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS sparks children’s curiosity, helping them succeed in school and life. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime on the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, pbskids.org, and more.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Amanda Rogers
WVPB Marketing Manager
304-556-4911
arogers@wvpublic.org