2019 Single-Topic News (Small Staff) Finalist: Meredith Kolodner

“First Step to the Middle Class”

About the Entry

Meredith Kolodner’s on-the-ground reporting in the counties with the highest percentages of high school dropouts raises hope for how education can break generational cycles of poverty.

Comments from the Judges

“Outstanding work looking at the education as a potential break in generational poverty. Rich with local detail about Leslie County, this is the kind of engaging education reporting we should read more of.”

“Impressive on-the-ground, in-depth reporting that does a good job of showcasing communities that are often described in stereotypes…The amount of time invested by the reporter shows in the quality of storytelling presented here.”