Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson to Receive 2025 Reach the World Cronkite Award

In New York on May 9, 2025, Reach the World is set to honor Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson with the 2025 Cronkite Award for Excellence in Exploration and Storytelling at their Annual Benefit event in the city. The nonprofit organization, Reach the World, which focuses on global education and connecting real-world role models with classrooms through virtual exchange, will present the award to Dr. Tyson on May 12 at The Players in New York City.

The award recognizes Dr. Tyson’s exceptional career as a prominent science communicator and advocate for public understanding of science and the universe. Named after the renowned journalist Walter Cronkite, the Cronkite Award celebrates individuals who embody the values of exploration, truth, and education, which are at the core of Reach the World’s mission. Through virtual exchange tools and programs, Reach the World aims to connect U.S. K-12 classrooms with travelers, explorers, mentors, and other inspirational figures worldwide.

Dr. Tyson, who received the National Academy of Sciences’ Public Welfare Medal in 2015 for his efforts in engaging the public with science, has inspired countless individuals to explore the mysteries of the cosmos through his appearances on television and digital media. Heather Halstead, Founder and Executive Director of Reach the World, praised Dr. Tyson for his dedication to making science accessible and instilling a sense of wonder and discovery in students.

Aside from his role as director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, Dr. Tyson is a bestselling author and host of popular science programs like Startalk and Cosmos. With 27 honorary degrees and numerous accolades to his name, Dr. Tyson continues to shape perceptions of our place in the universe and inspire future generations to embrace learning with curiosity and possibility.

The Annual Benefit event will bring together educators, global influencers, and supporters of Reach the World to celebrate Dr. Tyson’s achievements as the 2025 Cronkite Award recipient and to champion the organization’s goal of connecting classrooms with global role models.

For those interested in attending the event or supporting Reach the World, details can be found on their website. Founded in 1998, Reach the World utilizes virtual exchange to make travel experiences and global connections accessible to all students, fostering a new generation of globally aware and compassionate citizens.