The Carey McWilliams Award is presented annually by the American Political Science Association (APSA) to honor major journalistic contributions to society’s understanding of politics.
Citation from the Award Committee:
We are pleased to present the 2024 Carey McWilliams Award to Adam Iscoe. In addition to his well-received work across multiple outlets, Mr. Iscoe’s nomination letter notes his connection to McWilliams’ legacy: “McWilliams dedicated his life to writing and editing stories about vulnerable people and politics. I have done the same.” Indeed, he has. Iscoe’s 2023 New Yorker story about problems with safety net programs for the unhoused in New York City with mental health challenges highlights aspects of both the human condition and the realities of policy implementation in complex systems. As Iscoe explains: “There were several occasions in the course of reporting this story in which I found myself in a dangerous or life-threatening situation. I am sure this description is one that would resonate with Carey McWilliams. It is all part of doing the job right.”
Adam Iscoe is a writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine and Texas Monthly, among other publications. Iscoe is also a producer at Theater of War Productions, where he is working with leading film, theater and television actors to present dramatic readings of longform journalism. Previously, he worked as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, and as a journalism instructor at Solano State Prison, in Vacaville, California. He also edited the San Quentin News, an award-winning newspaper produced by incarcerated journalists at San Quentin State Prison.
APSA thanks the committee members for their service: Dr. Brian Calfano (chair) of the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Bethany Albertson of the University of Texas at Austin, and Dr. Albert Dzur of Bowling Green State University
Congratulations on this award. Your parents must be so proud of you, and know that the education you received and your talent has paid off so well. Regards to all!