WQED seeks storytellers for annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest

Young authors are invited to take up their pens, or fire up their devices, and spin yarns for WQED’s annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest.

WQED has partnered with the EQT Foundation for 11 years to present the contest to children throughout the region, encouraging them to submit original stories and illustrations, receiving more than 12,000 entries. It also provides resources to teachers and librarians, and offers a website encouraging students and arming adults with relevant literacy information.

Partnering with WQED this year are West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB); WPSU serving central Pennsylvania; and PBS 39 (WLVT) serving eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey.

“We continue to be amazed with the creativity, detail, and imagination children put into their stories. The growth of the program is helping to encourage students through Pennsylvania and West Virginia to explore the world of reading in a whole new way,” says Ellen Rossi, EQT foundation manager.

“WQED is thrilled to continue our tradition of encouraging children to build literacy skills by supporting our local schools and teachers,” says Gina Masciola, director of education Partnerships at WQED. “We are proud to continue special recognition for an outstanding story that includes a STEM focus.”

From Jan. 4 through March 31, children residing in western, central and eastern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and western New Jersey can submit entries. WQED will select local winners and award prizes, including the opportunity to record their winning story, and kids and families will be invited to a winners’ celebration at the WQED studio.

All finalists, past and present, are broadcast on iQKidsRadio.org. This year’s winners will be broadcast on Saturday Light Brigade (SLB) Radio.

Details: writeonkids.org