PBS Western Reserve’s Educational Services Department is committed to advancing educational excellence in our community. We create and implement innovative initiatives for K-12 and early learning programs and offer valuable resources and support for community members of all ages.
PBS Western Reserve specializes in designing engaging educational materials, coordinating impactful community outreach events, and providing professional development for PreK-12 educators. Through collaborative partnerships, we strive to inspire and empower students, educators and the broader community.
In FY25, PBS Western Reserve’s Educational Services Department expanded by onboarding new Project Coordinator Ariel Whitt and hosting internship opportunities throughout the year. The team also acquired additional technology, including 24 iPads, to broaden the capabilities of in-person learning and meet the needs of our digital age. With the additional help and resources, the team increased its presence across the region at in-person community events and expanded its professional development outreach to educators, homeschool administrators and out-of-school-time facilitators.
Meet Ariel Whitt, educational services project coordinator
“I grew up watching PBS KIDS and I never imagined I'd one day be part of a team creating that same impact in my community. This role has really been a dream come true. I am afforded opportunities to build community partner relationships, create programs that inspire young minds and, most importantly, give back through the very same programs that inspired me to be a lifelong learner.”
68 Ready to Learn Homeschool Kits Distributed
This grant-funded project distributed PBS KIDS Parent Resource kits to the Columbiana County Help Me Grow Parents as Teachers Affiliate.
96 Writing Contest Entries
In FY25, PBS Western Reserve launched the Writing Contest with Coach Write for students in K-3 in partnership with local educators. This contest invited young authors to create an original story with a moral or lesson using either a written or digital format including a digital illustration to enhance their storytelling. It's a fun way for students to showcase their creativity and writing skills. With 96 original entries and amazing illustrations, it was tough to choose a winner!
190+ Educators Reached
In addition to interacting directly with children across the region, PBS Western Reserve supports the educational fabric of the region by hosting K–12 professional development programs that align with educators’ needs, offering relevant topics and flexible scheduling options. This year’s slate included sessions on AI, problem-based learning, PBS resources for the public library, an introduction to Canva and more.
1000+ Books Given Out
As the cornerstone of learning, literacy is a priority for PBS Western Reserve. The Educational Services Department encourages reading and literacy education by handing out books at events like Tuesday’s for Toddlers and Be My Neighbor Day. In FY25, PBS Western Reserve delivered more than 1,000 books to children in our region.
20 Newsletters Delivered
The Connected Educator is PBS Western Reserve’s e-newsletter for educators, keeping readers up to date on upcoming educational initiatives, professional development opportunities and new technology. More than 3,900 educators receive the newsletter.
And More!
In addition to the programs and events organized by PBS Western Reserve and its partners, our Education Department attends a variety of community events to engage with the community, provide resources and administer educational activities. In FY25, they attended a Youngstown State University internship fair, Brimfield’s Touch a Truck, House 330’s family feast, Kent City Schools and Jackson Milton’s career days, Akron Kids Fun Run, an Oh WOW! open house, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum’s Silly Science Saturday, a Teen Leadership Council meeting at the Kent Free Library, and a Youngstown Phantom’s game.
WAYS TO WATCH:
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1)
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2)
FNX — First Nations Experience (WNEO 45.3 / WEAO 49.3)