Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2025) – WUCF, Central Florida's PBS station, is celebrating a big community win. The station has received a 2025 Public Media Award from the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) for its PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive with VyStar Credit Union.
The honor recognizes WUCF's impact in the “Community Engagement – Kids & Family” category, shining a national spotlight on a local effort that put more than 5,000 books into the hands of Head Start preschoolers and their families last year.
By placing books directly in children’s homes, the initiative helps ignite a love of reading and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
"This award truly belongs to our community," said Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF. "When neighbors, partners and families rally around something as simple and powerful as giving every child a book, the impact lasts a lifetime. Together, we're helping Central Florida's children step into school with curiosity and joy."
What’s Next: The 2025 Preschool Book Drive
The momentum doesn't stop here. WUCF and VyStar are gearing up for the 2025 Preschool Book Drive, and the community is once again invited to be part of the effort.
- Kickoff Event: Community Book Bash on Oct. 25 at Orlando Family Stage
- Book Drive Dates: Nov. 1–30
- Where to Donate: VyStar Credit Union locations across Central Florida and participating independent bookstores
Every book collected will go directly to Head Start preschoolers, ensuring more children enter kindergarten with the tools they need to succeed.
Learn how you can get involved at wucf.org/bookdrive.
The Public Media Awards celebrate excellence in community engagement, education, content and marketing across public media stations nationwide. Winners were announced Sept. 15 during the virtual 2025 NETA Conference.
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About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
WUCF Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199