America’s Awesome Kids

The deadline has been extended to Sept. 3, 2025! Read below for all the details.

In 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding as a nation. In preparation for this semiquincentennial, West Virginia Public Broadcasting is launching America’s Awesome Kids, an initiative that seeks to capture and showcase a wide range of kids across the nation (ages 8-10) and their unique geographies, customs, interests, skills, and experiences.

West Virginia’s children ages 8-10 have the opportunity to “tell their stories” as part of the America’s Awesome Kids project. This is a partnership between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and WGBH in Boston.

Using the existing program Awesome Alaskan Kids as a model, children in West Virginia have an opportunity to share something about their community with PBS viewers across the world. What are their interests, hobbies, talents, culture, traditions, family, local landmarks and natural environment?

Children are encouraged to share what is awesome about their community or projects with which they engage. We know that West Virginia’s children are awesome, so let’s celebrate!

How to Participate

  • Work with the child to determine what story they want to tell.

  • Plan the location, movement, props, etc.

  • Using a cell phone or other device, video the child telling their story — just 2-3 minutes long.

  • Complete the Submission Release Form.

  • Be sure to enter YOUR Google account in the proper space. If you don’t have a Google account, you need to create one (it’s free).

  • Attach your self-made video to the form where indicated (MAX 1GB).

  • Click “Submit.”

Questions?

If you have questions about this form, please email Americo Valdes (avaldes@wvpublic.org).

DUE DATE FOR RECEIPT OF THE FORM AND ATTACHED VIDEO IS SEPT. 3, 2025!