(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – May 21, 2026) - As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is proud to announce its role in the production of AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS, a new live-action short-form series premiering May 22, 2026, on PBS KIDS.

Produced by GBH Kids in coordination with 23 partnering PBS stations across the country—including LPB—the series is part of PBS’ “PBS KIDS Across America” initiative. AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS features 25 mini-documentaries showcasing kids from across the country sharing what is special about where they live, their hobbies and passions, and how they are making a positive impact in their local communities.

From taking care of llamas in Iowa to Bollywood dancing in Georgia to exploring Cajun culture in Louisiana, the series celebrates the unique spirit of the next generation. Episodes highlight what makes local communities special and how kids are making a positive impact on the world around them.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to provide children across the country with a glimpse of what life is like for children in Louisiana,” said LPB Education Director Nancy Tooraen. “As we celebrate America’s 250, there is no better time to explore the diversity of personalities and cultures that make both Louisiana and America such fantastic places to grow up and live.”

After a nationwide call for nominations, 10-year-old Jacob from Breaux Bridge was selected for the series. Jacob impressed producers with his diverse interests, including trail riding and football, as well as his leadership skills, which included developing an anti-bullying campaign for his school.

“America’s Awesome Kids reflects the lives of our young audience while also introducing them to the wide array of places, cultures, and customs from around the country,” said Dorothea Gillim, executive producer and creative director of GBH Kids. “Working with other PBS stations on this series has been a great opportunity to leverage the strength of public media to capture a uniquely local story for a national audience.”   

Viewers in Louisiana can watch AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS beginning May 22 on LPB-HD, the LPB PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and stream it for free on the PBS KIDS Video App, pbskids.org, and the AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS YouTube channel. 

AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS joins a robust summer lineup for the "PBS KIDS Across America" initiative, which kicked off May 1 with WOWSABOUT, a new special from The Jim Henson Company. Other highlights include the animated miniseries CITY ISLAND: USA! (June 12) and four new specials of XAVIER RIDDLE CELEBRATES AMERICAN HEROES (June 22).

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For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, at (225) 767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453, or by email at cspillane@lpb.org. 

About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.

About GBH

GBH is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture and journalism. GBH is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and ARTHUR and MOLLY OF DENALIE and a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. GBH’s television channels include GBH 2, GBH 44, GBH Kids and national services GBH WORLD and Create. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Boston’s Local NPR; CRB Classical 99.5; CAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station, and as a partner to NEPM in Springfield. Dedicated to making media accessible to and representative of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to audience members who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. With PBS LearningMedia, GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide. GBH’s local programming includes Boston Public Radio, GBH News Rooted, Stories from the Stage, The Culture Show, The Curiosity Desk, and High School Quiz Show. GBH has been recognized with hundreds of the nation’s premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards. Find more information at gbh.org.

About PBS KIDS: PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS sparks children’s curiosity, helping them succeed in school and life. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime on the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, pbskids.org, and more.