Meet 2025’s 20 under 20 up-and-coming storytellers!

Each December, PBS News Student Reporting Labs highlights twenty young storytellers in our network who are shaping the future of journalism and media. This year, we’re celebrating students whose work stands out for its originality, excellence, and dedication to telling stories that matter. From stories on immigration and climate change to personal stories of inspiration from family and educators, these up-and-coming storytellers are redefining how stories are told and shared. 

Join us in honoring these talented students who are using their skills, passion, and vision to inform, engage, and inspire their communities and beyond.

Alden Walcott

6-word memoir: Communicator of stories on stage and screen

Alessandro De Palma

6-word memoir: Traveling storyteller, searching for another story

Alia Soliman

6-word memoir: Member of real and fictional worlds.

Annalise Huang

6-word memoir: Perpetual learner and searcher of stories

Autumn Wynn

6-word memoir: I’m a phoenix rising from ashes

Ava Gilberg-Stroud

6-word memoir: Performing artist and recorder of experiences

Caroline Centofanti

6-word memoir: Believer in the art of storytelling

Chaeeun Yoo

6-word memoir: Imagine beyond bounds, and stumble unafraid

Eason Dong

6-word memoir: What’s the worst that could happen?

Emma Wilkins

6-word memoir: Starting new conversations in three languages

Evelyn Chao

6-word memoir: Sometimes I win; sometimes I learn

Jasmine Thompson

6-word memoir: Creative, caring, curious and selfless storyteller

Julia Mayi

6-word memoir: Young dreamer, old soul, Black excellence

Marium Zahra

6-word memoir: Passionate storyteller and a forever dreamer

Michelle Liu

6-word memoir: Great journeys start with one step

Padma Balaji

6-word memoir: Storytelling to shape a better world

Samantha Yee

6-word memoir: Curious storyteller uplifting voices, preserving history

Santiago Campos

6-word memoir: Telling the truth to inspire change

Zolton Hall

6-word memoir: Helping others by discovering oneself

Barnel Paul

Short memoir: A passionate, humorous video creator who brings meaning and purpose to every story I tell.