What is American Graduate?
The WMHT American Graduate Project, funded by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, is an initiative to raise awareness about the dropout crisis in our community by engaging a wide range of stakeholders in a dialogue and by mobilizing the community through a multimedia campaign to share resources, best practices and stories of challenge and success.
Stories of Champions
The American Graduate initiative is public media’s long-term commitment, made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to help young people succeed in school, career and life. Public media, with its unique position as a trusted resource and important partner in local communities, provides a critical platform to shine a light on pathways to graduation and successful student outcomes. National and local reporting, on air and online is helping communities understand the challenges and community-driven solutions associated with education and future successes. Public forums, town halls and community conversations have activated discussions between community leaders, educators and other stakeholders.
Through American Graduate, stations have inspired citizens to get involved and become American Graduate Champions, the caring adults who very often make the difference in a young person’s life. Explore WMHT's American Graduate Champions below:
2017 STORIES OF CHAMPIONS
Watch the full 2017 Stories of Champions Recognition Event.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Wayne Chandler.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, David Graham.
A speech by American Graduate Champion Wayne Chandler.
A speech by American Graduate Champion David Graham.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Meralys Collazo.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Debbie Taylor.
A speech by American Graduate Champion Meralys Collazo.
A speech by American Graduate Champion Debbie Taylor.
2015 STORIES OF CHAMPIONS
Watch the full 2015 Stories of Champions Recognition Event.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Rebecca Bustelos.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Philip Morris.
Watch the post event interviews for the Stories of Champions 2015 Recognition Event.
Rebecca Bustelos, a 2015 American Graduate Champion.
Philip Morris, a 2015 American Graduate Champion.
Jonathan Jones on behalf of Kathy Sheehan, a 2015 American Graduate Champion.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Dr. Sandhyaa Iyengar.
Meet Kathy M. Sheehan, Mayor of Albany.
Dr. Sandhyaa Iyengar, a 2015 American Graduate Champion.
Dive deeper into the work of American Graduate Champion, Kathy Sheehan.
2014 STORIES OF CHAMPIONS
Heather Bigelow teaches at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School.
Dr. Tobi Saulnier is founder & CEO of 1st Playable Productions, making educational games.
Learn more about American Graduate Champion, Dr. Joseph P. Dragone.
American Graduate Champion, Tobi Saulnier, helped Nicole both personally & professionally.
Learn about CEO and youth mentor Christopher G. Ellis Jr. of Albany, NY.
Learn more about SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher's work in this extended cut.
See what makes Neil & Jane Golub American Graduate Champions.
BUILDING BLOCKS
Building Blocks examines the stepping-stones for success from early childhood and beyond. Explore WMHT's Building Blocks videos below:
Kaliel Williamson, a University at Albany – SUNY student shares his pathway to success.
Rebecca Bustelos, a teacher in Albany, on PBS KIDS resources that connect home and school.
Danae Jones, a parent in Albany, talks about using PBS KIDS games with her son.
AMERICAN GRADUATE TOWN HALL
Elaine Houston moderates a conversation about the dropout crisis in our local communities.
WMHT TALKS EDUCATION
WMHT Talks Education was held on October 1, 2013 from 5-7pm & featured TED-inspired talks.