ORLANDO, Nov. 4, 2024 — With the U.S. presidential election just one day away, WUCF is providing Central Floridians of all ages with tools and resources to make informed decisions and actively engage in their communities.
These special programs are part of America250, a dynamic three-year initiative to connect, inform and inspire around crucial themes of civic engagement, history and unity.
"Creating a space for Central Floridians to come together around national events and engage in meaningful conversations is essential, which is why WUCF launched America250," said Jennifer Cook, WUCF Executive Director. "We're excited to see the community engage with these resources and are grateful to our partners for helping us reach as many people as possible."
Dedicated to supporting understanding and involvement in this year's election, the Central Florida PBS station will focus on broader civic engagement in 2025 and a celebration of America's 250th founding anniversary in 2026. Because of its trusted, locally focused programming and community-driven storytelling, WUCF is uniquely positioned to help Central Floridians foster a vibrant, engaged society through initiatives like America250.
Election Resources for All Ages
Election specials—including live election night coverage—from WUCF's Emmy-nominated weekly current affairs show NewsNight, special documentaries and community discussions are among the many offerings available now.
Other highlights include:
- The 2024 Florida Voter Guide featuring detailed information on every state and federal race, including the candidates and their positions on key issues.
- A #ReadytoVote2024 digital series in partnership with WNET that asks Central Florida college-aged voters which issues matter most to them.
- English- and Spanish-language “NewsNight” specials around the election, preserving democracy and national PBS election-related programming.
- New children's "Meet the Helpers" videos featuring anAmerican Sign Language interpreter promoting civic engagement and a Public Service Worker talking about the voting process.
- PBS KIDS video content from popular children's shows and the PBS LearningMedia Civics Collection that prepares all students to engage in civic life.
Connecting the Central Florida Community
Beyond the election, WUCF's America250 initiative connects Central Floridians of all ages and backgrounds to our shared past while inspiring active participation in shaping our future.
Among its broader initiatives are the PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive in collaboration with VyStar Credit Union to benefit Central Florida's Head Start programs (now through Nov. 30) and upcoming arts and cultural programming that will feature Florida's rich history and historical sites.
WUCF's new CoLab—short for "Community Laboratory"—is playing a key role in the America250 initiative, directly informing the programming and outreach. This group is made up of Central Florida community leaders, partners and public media supporters sharing ideas and opportunities that promote unity, civil discourse and civic engagement.
America250 is supported in part by the Ginsburg Family Foundation.
Additional programs and resources for America250 are available at wucf.org/america250.
About WUCF:
WUCF TV is the sole-service PBS member station for the nearly 4 million Central Floridians across nine counties. WUCF is Central Florida's storyteller, encouraging curiosity and learning through compelling content and community engagement. WUCF produces award-winning local content like "Florida Road Trip," which explores Florida through history, people and culture. WUCF also serves Florida's youngest citizens, offering hours of PBS KIDS content on-air, online and in the classroom, leading the state in usage for PBS LearningMedia. Throughout its 10-year history, WUCF has engaged with over 1.5 million people across Central Florida at in-person events and over 30 million people online through virtual events and streaming content. The station is community-supported public broadcasting from the University of Central Florida. Learn more at http://wucf.org/.
Media Contact on Behalf of WUCF:
Christine Dellert Mullon
407.718.0199
