FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PBS NORTH CAROLINA’S ROOTLE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM NOW REACHES FAMILIES IN ALL 100 COUNTIES IN NC

This achievement helps ensure families across NC have access to high-quality early learning resources through a network of local education champions.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 6/30/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces its Rootle Ambassador Program now reaches all 100 counties in the state. Launched in 2020, this groundbreaking initiative connects young learners and their families to much-needed early learning resources with the help of local education champions. 

“Reaching all 100 counties through the work of our Rootle Ambassadors highlights PBS North Carolina’s commitment to supporting young children and families across the state,” said Lauren McDowell Pyle,Director of Children’s Media and Education Engagement. “This achievement has been made possible through meaningful partnerships with early childhood leaders, libraries, schools and community members as well as the generosity of foundations, grants and donors who believe in our mission to educate and inspire the people of North Carolina.” 

Rootle Ambassadors customize trusted PBS KIDS educational content and other early learning resources to fit the unique needs of families in their local communities. Since the program’s launch, Rootle Ambassadors have engaged their communities in 555 educational events with hundreds of local partner organizations, reaching a conservative estimate of 111,000 children and families. 

“Rootle Ambassadors reflect the communities they serve,” added Pyle. “Their presence ensures early learning resources are not only accessible but also culturally and geographically relevant to families in their county. PBS North Carolina is proud to support, elevate and celebrate their work.” 

In 2020, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust helped support the launch of the Rootle Ambassador Program as it saw its potential to transform outcomes for young learners and their families. In December 2024, the trust awarded PBS North Carolina a $500,000 grant to bolster the program’s efforts and expand its reach into all 100 counties. 

“The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust is honored to partner with PBS North Carolina for this vital program that provides literacy, active mentoring and a positive impact on children and families in communities,” said Nancy J. Cable, William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust’s Executive Director. “We are delighted to be part of this effort to advance early childhood learning in a meaningful way across all 100 counties in the state.” 

The Rootle Ambassador Program is also supported by funding from the Camber Foundation, the Dogwood Health Trust, the Unifour Foundation, Dianna and Jeffrey Goodman, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 

To learn more about the program, visit pbsnc.org/Rootle Ambassadors. 

About Rootle PBS KIDS 

Rootle, PBS North Carolina’s 24/7 PBS KIDS channel, is a trusted educational partner to families, caregivers and educators across the state providing wholesome, educational and entertaining content for children ages two to eight. Learn more at pbsnc.org/rootle. 

About the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust 

The mission of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, a New York perpetual trust based in Chapel Hill, is to empower human potential through education and whole community investment. The Trust’s grantmaking is generally centered in the four states of Florida, New York, North Carolina and Virginia. To learn more about the Kenan Trust, visit kenancharitabletrust.org. 

About PBS North Carolina 

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

-PBS NC-

Media Contact 
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications 
PBS North Carolina 
press@pbsnc.org