Pair of Kauaʻi Selected for National PBS Journalism Academy

PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL) has selected Natalie Lett, a junior at Kauaʻi High School, to participate in its annual summer academy, which will take place at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University in Phoenix from June 23-29.

In its eighth year, the signature, award-winning academy is a highly selective, intensive video journalism fellowship for high schoolers. The PBS NewsHour covers all travel and accommodation costs.

Kate Nakamura, a senior at Kaua‘i High School who attended the academy as a fellow in 2021, has also been invited back to serve as a behind-the-scenes correspondent this year.

During the immersive fellowship, fellows will be coached and mentored by SRL youth media producers and will work in teams to produce original video news reports. Fellows will learn from industry professionals and meet correspondents, producers and journalists from Arizona PBS, PBS NewsHour West and other local news organizations.

Natalie is among 27 up-and-coming storytellers from across the country who will be participating in this year’s program.

“On behalf of the Hawaiʻi State Senate, I would like to extend my congratulations to both Natalie, Kate and their ʻohanas on being selected to participate in this incredible opportunity,” said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (District 8 – Kauaʻi and Niʻihau) in a press release about the selection. “This summer academy provides students with the rare chance to hone their storytelling skills while learning from experts in the media business. I have no doubt that Natalie will be an outstanding representative for our home island of Kauaʻi, and I look forward to following her career in the years to come.”

For more information on the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs SummerAcademy, visit https://to.pbs.org/3u1M6T5.