American Graduate Day 2017 Features Unique SRL Lineup

SRL made an impact on American Graduate Day at Tisch’s WNET Studios in NYC, contributing content and talent from diverse labs in three different states. The show, hosted by award winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, examines the role mentorship plays in the lives of young people and promotes the need for multiple pathways to career success in today’s economy.

Sophie Sabin, recipient of SRL’s inaugural Gwen Ifill Legacy Fellowship, was recruited as AGD’s social media correspondent and was interviewed during the live broadcast by her long-time mentor NJTV’s Lauren Wanko. Sophie talked about the impact of SRL in her life and the relationship she built with the late Gwen Ifill, who spoke at her graduation from Philip’s Academy Charter in Newark, New Jersey in 2013. Sophie’s talents shined while playing the role of AGD’ social media correspondent. She interviewed SRL director Elis Estrada about the program’s focus on connecting young people to public media mentors.

Sophie Sabin preparing for live Periscope interviews with social media producers from WNET at American Graduate Day

A video produced by seniors Makayla Moore, Khue Tran and An Nguyen from Pflurgerville High School also aired during the live broadcast on October 14, 2017. The video was one of 17 out of 89 submissions selected for broadcast and highlighted the impact of mentorship in their community through General Motors’ STEM program at River Oaks Elementary in Pflurgerville. KLRU in Austin Texas, which provided mentorship throughout the production, was one of thirty stations that received grants from WNET and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to produce stories for American Graduate Day.

Video produced by Pflurgerville High School Seniors 

In Utah, SRL Connected Educator Katie Blunt was profiled for a piece produced by the Utah Education Network (UEN). The video was part of AGD’s national programming . In her interview, Blunt focuses on her use of ed tech to increase student achievement through SRL.