In 2026, compelling and inspiring environmental stories not only represent essential dishes in our media diet, but galvanizing artifacts to expand and strengthen our sustainability community. The general Correspondent Program, now in its 11th cohort, continues to provide space for post-secondary students to explore and experiment as environmental storytellers while building their networks.

We are delighted to announce this year’s members, selected from colleges and universities across the United States and Teesside University in the United Kingdom. These 13 students come from diverse backgrounds and departments – from chemistry majors to broadcast journalists to creative illustrators – yet each share a commitment to amplifying the work of communities who are rallying in support of the environment and the solutions that will drive the planet forward.

This year, students will be covering water stories, shining a light on environmental justice, and exploring nature-based solutions. Expect some timely stories diving into data centers, coalition building, extreme weather, and many others.

In a year when Planet Forward’s reach and impact feels like it’s greater than ever, we can’t wait for you to engage with these students and their stories. We encourage our audience to share the stories you see here widely and celebrate each students’ effort to inform, inspire, and drive impacts in their communities through the act of storytelling.

Their stories and others will be eligible for this year’s Storyfest contest! And mark your calendars for this year’s Planet Forward Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 7-9, 2027! These students and others will be showcasing their work alongside panels on professional development in environmental communications, insightful workshops, and exciting keynote speakers.

Click on the profiles below to read each Correspondent’s bio and stay tuned for more stories!

Kai Arrowood

Planet Forward Correspondent | Middlebury College

Rihanna Bryce

Planet Forward Correspondent | Franklin & Marshall College

Ashleigh Paige Carter

Planet Forward Correspondent | Teesside University

Claudia Delgado

Planet Forward Correspondent | SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry

Savannah Hawk

Planet Forward Correspondent | Tuskegee University

Marley Hinrichs

Planet Forward Correspondent | University of Georgia

Olivia Lohrer

Planet Forward Correspondent | UC Santa Barbara

Cecilia Luce

Planet Forward Sr. Correspondent | Northwestern University

Ajani Moss

Planet Forward Correspondent | Howard University

Ariza Nanji

Planet Forward Correspondent | University of Michigan

Raina Pawloski

Planet Forward Correspondent | George Washington University

Natalie Peoples

Planet Forward Correspondent | George Washington University

Nia Sampson

Planet Forward Correspondent | Louisiana State University