The 74

Unwelcome to America

Jo Napolitano

Over 16 months, Jo Napolitano called more than 600 high schools in every state and Washington, D.C., posing as the aunt of a 19-year-old new arrival from Venezuela and attempting to register him. The undercover investigation revealed some ugly truths about how schools handle such requests, often wrongfully — and potentially illegally — denying access to a high school education.

Napolitano’s reporting is an “extraordinary example of persistent, methodical, and deeply researched reporting,” one judge said. “The level of detail revealed multiple layers of problems, including the inconsistency of answers from people within the same district and school. I am impressed with both the quality of the journalism and its real-world impact.”

The project also included an explainer of Napolitano’s methodology and how The 74 weighed ethical questions about having the journalist go undercover to get the story. That content “was essential to the entire package by adding context and transparency,” a judge wrote.

Read the Winning Work

Hundreds of U.S. High Schools Wrongfully Refused Entry to Older, Immigrant Student

Older Immigrant Students Say High School Admission Bettered Their Lives in U.S.

From New Mexico to Michigan, States Take Action After 74 Investigation Reveals Rampant Enrollment Discrimination

Oakland Enrolls — and Graduates — Older, Immigrant Students Many Districts Deny

Unwelcome to America: How We Did the Story