Related Finalists
2024 News (Education-Only Outlets) Finalists
See finalists listed in alphabetical order.
Mark Keierleber
The 74
The Rise and Fall of AllHere: From AI Innovator to Indicted CEO
- Whistleblower: L.A. schools’ chatbot misused student data as tech co. crumbled
- Ed tech company AllHere, once lauded for creating L.A. schools’ $6M AI chatbot, files for bankruptcy
- Feds zero in on maker of LAUSD’s failed AI chatbot, hint at criminal charges
Comments From the Judges:
“Deep investigative work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and data security – two things that public school districts are generally not very good at regulating. Really interesting and unique take on AI in schools. Well written and dissected with several examples of student privacy breaches.”
“This entry stands out for its investigative reporting in this category. It shows why journalism matters. AllHere is a media darling and being championed by the school district while behind the scenes, this company is a mess and misusing student data. Love the interview with this whistleblower. Nice to see an educational outlet like this leading the story with major traditional news outlets following your great reporting”
Jackie Mader
The Hechinger Report
The Dark Future of American Child Care
Comments From the Judges:
“Chilling opening followed by a deeply insightful, well-researched dive into attempts to deregulate the critically under-reported child care industry. Truly outstanding work. A really interesting, important and ongoing issue that states are going to continue to see in years to come. Great, great, great lede to humanize the story and get straight to the issue and some arguments from both sides. Love this story for its national impact and how it’s keeping a conversation going.”
“I like this story because I feel like it dives in deep [into] something complex, not widely reported about how Kansas is deregulating Lexie’s Law. The lede is a build up of tragedies which by the time I read the nutgraph and know where the story is going, it packs more of an emotional punch. This story feels like a ticking time bomb nationally. Other states are following suit. Good context. Very fair in the reporting. Not enough spaces for kids. It’s a tough reality.”
Olivia Sanchez, Nirvi Shah, Meredith Kolodner, Joanna Hou & Laura Pappano
The Hechinger Report
Affirmative Action Backlash
- How did students pitch themselves to colleges after last year’s affirmative action ruling?
- Cutting race-based scholarships blocks path to college, students say
- Facing legal threats, colleges back off race-based programs
Comments From the Judges:
“Smart package with thorough reporting that centered student voices to detail the consequences [of] the [Supreme Court’s] 2023 decision to ban colleges from considering race. Particularly liked the alternative story format with students’ first person essays and what they decided to write when their race could no longer be considered.”
“The effort to go into the experiences of individual students with affirmative action – and the innovative ways these stories were told – was truly impressive. The depth and breadth of reporting on race-related admissions and financial aid policies and the impact of scholarships and opportunities was very strong – and struck an excellent balance between engaging personal stories and critical contextual information.”
