PBS News selected Emma Lai ’28 as a participant in the highly competitive Student Reporting Labs Summer Academy, an all-expenses-paid national journalism program, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. June 24-30.
Lai was chosen from a nationwide pool of applicants to join a select group of high school journalists for an immersive, hands-on reporting experience.
As part of the program, Lai will collaborate with peers from across the country to produce an original reported story, guided by professional journalists and SRL staff. The academy offers intensive training in video journalism, including research, interviewing, filming and editing, as well as one-on-one coaching from experienced media professionals. The week will culminate in a screening of the final stories at WETA’s offices.
The SRL Summer Academy is designed to elevate young storytellers by providing real-world journalism experience and mentorship at the highest level. Lai’s selection reflects both her talent and dedication to journalism.
Lai is currently the podcast editor for wsspaper.com, and will be the website’s multimedia editor and feature editor during the 2026-2027 school year.
