Higher education coverage worth supporting.

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Dear Reader,

When I joined the PublicSource team as the higher education reporter ([link removed]) in late 2020, we were in the midst of an intense election and increasing COVID cases, and I was anxiously trying to figure out what my new beat could offer to Pittsburgh.

Students were heading home for the holidays, but essential workers were concerned about their own health and physical well-being. Within a week of starting, I received an email from an alarmed library worker at the University of Pittsburgh. Suddenly, I found myself reporting on how universities were walking a tightrope, attempting to provide students traditional resources and listen to the health and safety concerns of workers.

And since then, I have not stopped pursuing complicated issues such as international student visas, student loan debt and the mental health of college students.

My work at PublicSource has led me to discover just how important it is to be a local reporter. We are trusted resources and we turn to the community to talk openly, and honestly, with us about the issues that matter most. With each story, I make sure to ask myself how I can make my reporting accessible and captivating for readers. I try to break down complex legislation or policies by bringing out the voices of students and alumni, faculty, employees, administrators and others.

Recently, I published a project covering how universities and colleges in Pittsburgh have spent the past year addressing the murder of George Floyd and the racial justice so many want to see happen ([link removed]) . The stories required a lot of late evenings to research and intentional questions that allowed my many sources to feel comfortable and respected.

There is much more I hope to do. Pittsburgh is so unique when it comes to higher education. As a city with a blue-collar history that’s remade itself as an ‘eds and meds’ hub, I believe Pittsburgh is full of possibilities for stories on career programs, skills training and post-secondary education opportunities.

I promise to keep asking insightful questions and reporting on the future of higher education in the Pittsburgh region. That work takes resources to produce. Reader support is crucial to keeping accessible, in-depth reporting available for the people of our region, so we’re asking you to step up and support it by making a gift of any amount. Until June 30, all gifts are matched dollar for dollar, so there’s no better time to show that these stories matter to you.

Yes, I'll make a MATCHED gift today. ([link removed])
Thank you for your support!

Naomi Harris
Higher Education Reporter
PublicSource
Naomi, who has long locs and glasses, smiles at the camera.


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