Making After-School Cool Podcast

As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, the need for Coding specialist is growing. Many computer programs and app development requires special knowledge, vocabulary and expertise to create a useful tool. Coding is the topic of this episode and features my today's guest, Mr. Chris Powell. Chris is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 15 years of experience working in various areas of IT, designing and securing large-scale cloud infrastructure across hybrid environments.  During this podcast you will learn about: What is Coding Successful coding projects Code Coaches have worked with students on What methods Code Coaches use to provide constructive feedback to students? Why it is enjoyable working in STEM Resources  TheCoderSchool - Spring spring.thecoderschool.com Visit us: https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/spring/

For those working with youth, one way to encourage young people to express themselves and their feelings is through the art of poetry. This brings me to the topic of this episode of the Making Afte School Cool podcast, the power of the spoken word in the form of poetry. To speak on this is my guest today, Ms. Ebony Stewart, Ms. Stewart. Ebony is also a mental health advocate, consultant, and former sexual health educator. As one of the most decorated poets in Texas, Ebony is a respected coach & mentor, one of the top touring poets in the country.  She has performed in 49 states, at over 200 colleges and universities across the country, as has been featured internationally in Canada, Australia, Ghana, and Norway. During this episode you will learn the following: How writing poetry can lead to self-discovery and personal growth. Sharing poetry can boost confidence and self-esteem. Poetry reflects cultural values, traditions, and foster an understanding of diverse cultures. Poetry stimulates creative thinking, imagination and enhances vocabulary, and linguistic skills. Resources: Ebony Stewart - EBONY STEWART - Home Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org

This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features this year's winners of the Spirit of Excellence Award at the CASE for Kids Annual End of the Year Celebration.  The recipients were nominated by professionals in the OST field based on their impact and influence or youth and community partners. This episode features this year's winners including Tanisha "Tish" McDaniel, Devin Jamesson, Álvaro Carrillo, Crystalyn Jordan, Walter Hull and Josephine Jones.

This episode of the Making Afte school Cool podcast recognizes the incredible contributions of dedicated professionals who enhance the experiences of youth attending after-school programs. Their hard work, creativity, and compassion creates a safe and enriching environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive. During this year's after school professionals' appreciation week, CASE for Kids want to express gratitude to them for their dedication.

During this Podcast you will hear Josh Brown's story, which highlights the importance of decision-making and the potential life-changing dangers of alcohol. Josh, a 2012 Fairmont State University graduate, now gives presentations around the country to young people about the consequences of alcohol addiction, which led to a life-ending tragedy and three years of incarceration. Having started fresh, Josh has made it his mission to mentor young athletes about their potential in life without alcohol and drugs, sharing his story of redemption over the past two years at several high schools and college campuses. For more information, please contact on Josh Brown please visit  The Official Website of Josh Brown For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Podcast please contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org

The first week of March has been designed at Social Emotional Learning week.  SEL programming in schools and after-school settings is growing, and social and emotional learning standards have been developed in many states at the secondary school level. and the SEL approach is increasingly of interest to those studying adolescent development My guest today is Nora Tejada, a Project Specialist with CASE for Kids.  During this podcast you will hear more about: Learn more about SEL week Ideas to promote Social Emotional Learning in after school How to get SEL resources For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Pocast, contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org

This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Fayez Eyabi, an undergraduate student at UC Riverside. Originally from Escondido, California, Fayez is pursuing a medical career and is committed to addressing the health disparities in underserved communities. He believes such efforts are vital for improving health outcomes and empowering individuals.

This is part 2 of a 2 part series focusing on how our mindset and thinking shape our level of future success.  To speak on this is my guest to day Dr. Wendi Zimmer. Wendi is an expert in mindset development, a professor, an educational consultant, and creator of the Mindset Factor.  During this episode you will learn:  The Four pillars of the Force Continuum and how it can change how people view themselves and help them achieve their goals The difference between working in groups and collaborating with others to achieve a goal. A brief description of you Weekly Bits of Wonderful Writing Wisdom Resources  Dr. Zimmerman - wendinichole@gmail.com Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org

The Making After School Cool Podcast is produced by CASE for kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education and is hosted by Mike Wilson This is part one of a 2-part series of episodes which, focuses on the influence our mindset have on our lives. There are many perspectives and theories regarding how our thinking shape our level of future success and to speak on this is my guest to day Dr. Wendi Zimmer   During this podcast you will hear about: Zimmer's definition of mindset How does our mindset strengthen or weaken what we can achieve. How does our thoughts control our emotions? The four pillars of the Force Continuum and how it can change how people view themselves and help them achieve their goals. Resources: Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org Dr. Wendi Zimmer – wendi@themindsetfactor.com

The topic of today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast, focuses on the use of Hip Hop pedagoy to teach financial literacy in underserved communties.  My guest is Joshua Marks who's passion for the hip-hop inspired him to develop a curriculum called "Hip Hopportunity." The vision of Hip Hopportunity LLC is to create an inclusive learning environment for youth of all backgrounds that fosters critical thinking & financial literacy through hip-hop pedagogy.  During this podcast you will learn about the following: The motivation behind developing Hip Hopportunity The disparity in financial literacy among diverse groups of people and the importance regarding closing the economic gap The types of activities and lessons youth can learn from Hip Hopportunity The importance for youth to have a vehicle to share their voice, culture and language without judgment. Resources Hip Hopportunity - www.hip-hopportunity.com Joshua Marks – joshua@hip-hopportunity.com Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Today's episode of the Making After School podcast focuses strategies parents' educators, after school practitioners and youth face; how to be successful in school and life. To speak on these issues is my guest Mr. Mills Rogers.  Mills "Mr. Rodge" Rodgers's is a consultant, author and trainer with a purpose to help education & corporate leaders improve campus & organizational culture. During the episode you will learn: How to overcome common educational obstacles including lack of parental involvement and economic factors Addressing the stress and anxiety experienced by youth Steps to advocate for special needs youth  Overview of the books “You Can Win Being You,” and “Success is a Process, Not an Event,” Resources Mills Rogers - www.successisaprocess.net Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org

We at CASE for Kids would like to send a special message of gratitude and thanks to our partners, out of school time professionals, community supporters, parents, teachers and administrators, mentors and most importantly the students who touch all our lives. We wish you a speacail Holiday Season 

The topic of today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast, focuses on defining your own unique success story. There are many perspectives of what is considered successful. Some may say it is the accomplishment of reaching a life goal, while others may view it as economic wealth, a position of high regard, or status within a community. Then there are those who believe success is an internal measurement based on the realization of an individual's purpose (Palmer,2021).   To assist others on their journey of defining their own unique success story is my guest today Mr. Chip Baker. During this podcast you will learn about the following: How to develop a personal defintion of success The Success Chronicles, & what motivated you to develop it Advice for youth who are starting this journey towards developing goals and accomplishing them? The importance of being intentional about being intentional can you expand on this mindset The importantance of being around people who are positive and successful Resources Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org Chip Baker -  ChipBakerTSC@gmail.com  

Today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features my Discussion with Nicole Milton with the Mental Health America of Greater Houston. During this episode you will hear about the following: the connection between a person's mental health and the impact it could have on their physical health Why are good self-care practices important for a person's personal and professional life How does stress affect us physically and emotionally Balaning alone time and social interaction to improve your health and wellbeing  Resources  Mike Wilson - Mwilson@hcde-texas.org Nicole Milton - nmilton@mhahouston.org  

Today's episode of the Making After School Podcast is part 2 of my interview with Dipin Bhakata, Co-Area Leader of The US Dream Academy in Houston, TX. We continue or discussion on the power positive mentoring programs can have on youth. The U.S. Dream Academy helps children reach for their dreams through academic, social, and values enrichment. The agency empowers children impacted by parental incarceration to believe in themselves and to succeed. For more Information contact: Dipen Bhakta Co-Area Leader Email: dbhakta@usdreamacademy.org

Today's episode of the Making After School Podcast focuses on the power of positive mentoring programs can have on youth.  Mentorship programs, both formally and informally have been around for centuries. Be it in the form of apprenticeships, coaching, teaching or parenting, mentors play a crucial role in the development of youth. One such program that is doing this type of work is the US Dream Academy. I am fortunate to have has my guest today on the Making After School Cool Podcast is Dipen Bhakata, Co-Area Leader of The US Dream Academy in Houston, TX.

This episode of the Making After School Podcast focuses on self-care and proper mental health care strategies for adults and professionals working with youth in either education, social work, youth programing or as mentors. My guest today is Ms. Nichole Milton with Mental health America of Greater Houston. During this podcast you will learn more regarding: The connection between a person's mental health and the impact it could have on their physical health Why good self-care practices are important for a person's personal and professional life Examples of healthy self-care practices Resources Nichole Milton - nmilton@mhahouston.org Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org  

For many youths, being a successful adult is often viewed in a lens primarily associated with making a large amount of money.  Although low-income youth may not personally know people who are successful in business, acting or athletics, these professions are very attractive to kids because the benefactors appear well compensated. Having a wide knowledge on financial literacy allows youth to think rationally and make effective decisions on financial use and management (ANZ Bank, 2008; Van Rooij et al., 2011). During this episode you will hear more about: Kidprenur Dreams: Exploring Money and Emotions and the Coloring Book: a World of Creative and learning Why is it import for parents, youth and out of school time staff be knowledgeable regarding help youth be aware of financial literacy Some of the biggest mistakes youth fall into regarding make sound financial decisions.  The best age youth should practice sound money management

The topic of this episode of the Making After School podcast, is, "Preparing Youth for Natural or Sudden Disastrous Events." To speak on this topic is my guest, Mr. Jeremy Foster,  with the Office of School Safety and Security with Harris County Department of Education Center for Safe and Secure Schools. During this podcast you will learn the following: Steps parents can take help dimmish the fears of their children who may be facing their first natural disaster. Suggestions for help kids understand the differences between terms such as Hurricane Warning and Hurricane Watch, Suggestions after school programs or youth centers regarding plannng for to  severe weather like flash floods and tornadoes? Steps care givers can take to help youth recover from any emotionally fears or distress they may have experienced caused from natural disasters? Resources: Mike Wilson - Mwilson@hcde-texas.org Jeremy Foster - Jeremy.Foster@hcde-texas.org  

Over the last decade, the emergence of after school programs, either school based or community-based programs, have changed parents' expectations of their children's experiences during non-school hours. To address this issue, is my guest Dr. Jesus Campos, who is a Data Analyst/Research Coordinator, with the Research and Evaluation Institute of Harris County Department of Education.  During this podcast you will learn more about: HCDE' Research and Evaluation department, The type of research/data they evaluate, The Community Partnership Model How parents' participation in afterschool or out school time programs is positively corelated with their overall satisfaction with the program Resources Mike Wilson can be reached at mwilson@hcde-texas.org Dr. Jesus Campos can be reach at jesus.campos@hcde-texas.org  

Today's topic focuses on the influence a positive male role model can have on at risk minority boys. According to research there are three strategies frequently used with developing male mentoring programs. They include some form of rites of passages, social responsibility training, and introduction to successful men. Therefore, the focus of this episode of the Making After School Cool podcast highlights the work of Mr. Keith Cornelius, the current Director of the Urban Enrichment Institute, and an advocate for male mentorship.  During this episode you will hear about: What motivate men to be mentors Why it is important for teenaged males, to have a caring mentor in their lives How to recruit mentors, and do you look for a particular skill set for mentors How are the students identified and selected to participate in the program

Today's topic focuses on building a supportive environment that address the concerns and issues faced by youth in today's multifaceted society.  My guest today is Mr. JC Pohl of Teen Truth. JC Pohl is an award-winning producer, nationally recognized speaker, and certified counselor who has reached over 12 million people in 8,000+ schools. During this Episode you will learn more about the following:  1. What motivated JC to start Teen Voice? 2. How to identify and recruit who are willing to share their experiences 3. What can be learned listing to youth voice? 4. Why is it important for youth to have vehicles to develop their own unique voice?

Today's topic of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the power of building quality relationship with youth in OST programs. There is currently an explosion of research based on the need & interest in after-school programs. According to research published in the American Journal of Community Psychology “More Than Attendance: The Importance of After School Program Quality (Barton J. Hirsch • Megan A. Mekinda • Julie Ann Stawick, 2010)” The rationale for these programs may include supporting working parents; enhancing school reform initiatives; providing mentors to young people; and/or providing youth with a voice in programs.  Today's episode highlights the work of my guest today, Mr. Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Founder and Executive Director of the EJS Project, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization which a focus on building and empowering our future leaders. During this podcast you will learn more about: This history of the EJS Project Offering services that are attracted to youth. The importance of community involvement and support a successful program. Suggestions for mentoring youth?

This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the Power of Poetry and the Spoken Word. Since, 1996, the month of April has been designated as National Poetry Month. This distinction reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. My guest today is a poet in the Houston area, Ms. Jo-Ann Blanchard. Ms. Blanchard has been writing since the age of 10 and is an advocate of domestic violence prevention and intervention.  During this podcast you will learn more about the following: How Ms. Blanchard started to get recognized as a poet How to develop poems Overcoming the fear of sharing writings with others? Overcoming Writers' Block How can the written word help youth struggling with mental health issues. Resources Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org Ms. Jo Anne Blanchard – jahsayblancard@gmail.com Harris County Department of Education – www.hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids - www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone  

The Afterschool is Cool Youth Expo focused on career opportunities in the field of technology, including digital innovation, energy entrepreneurship and life sciences, and incorporated the gamification of learning. The Expo is part of LevelUp Houston, Harris County's newest student badging platform, developed by CASE for Kids and MyVoluntier and funded by the Houston Endowment through the Education Foundation of Harris County. 

Today's topic features teenagers who are a member  of the City Of Houston Youth Ambassadors advisory group.  This group, under the direction of Ms. Laura Cuellar, are advisors to the city of Houston Mayor's Office. The City of Houston Championing Change Youth Ambassadors include youth ages 13-18 who work to advance children's rights and ensure youth voice is considered in the City of Houston's programs and decision-making.  They provide the youth's perspective regarding issues faced by their age group. During the episode you will hear the follow: Current issues faced by their age group What motivated them to get involved with advising the mayor's office on youth issues What advice would you give other students on why they should be involved with local government There plans after high school Resources Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org  Another Step for Youth child rights podcast 

Today's topic features teenagers who are a member  of the City Of Houston Youth Ambassadors advisory group.  This group, under the direction of Ms. Laura Cuellar, are advisors to the city of Houston Mayor's Office. The City of Houston Championing Change Youth Ambassadors include youth ages 13-18 who work to advance children's rights and ensure youth voice is considered in the City of Houston's programs and decision-making.  They provide the youth's perspective regarding issues faced by their age group. During the episode you will hear the follow: Current issues faced by their age group What motivated them to get involved with advising the mayor's office on youth issues What advice would you give other students on why they should be involved with local government There plans after high school Resources Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org  Another Step for Youth child rights podcast   

My guest today on the Making After School Cool podcast is Dr. Crystal Belle. Dr. Belle is a published writer, activist, educator and professional development trainer.  She is an authority in, Diversity. Equity and Inclusion and education consultant, self-care coach and author. As the founder of Self Love Life 101, her goal is to help people live their best lives through online video coaching, educational consulting and fitness/wellness.  Resource Dr. Crystal Belle Home | Dr Crystal Belle Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org

This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast highlights the work of Dr. William Parrett research regarding strategies schools with alarge number in impoverished students yet still produce high academic achievement.  According to theories among many psychologists and child development specialists a child's behavior can stems from many things including a combination of genes and their environment. This episode presents step those working with students from low economic environment can to to empower these youth During this podcast you will lean the following: The mission of Parrett Associates The differences between successful schools who teach students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds from those who struggle with this populations. How the out of school time environment can play a role in supporting students' academic success. Suggestions regarding how to  create an environment that is responsive to youth living in poverty Resources Parrett Associates www.schoolsdisruptingpoverty.com Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org  

Todays topic features a podcast series developed, and produced by  students attending Chavez Highschool.  These students learned the fundamentals of podcasting and host their own show entitled the Teen Aged Life.  This segment of their episode centers on a debate regarding the availability of cell use for high school students during school hours. Guest I would like the thank the  students producing their own podcast “The Teenage Life, “  podcast at Chavez High school. They are  Christopher Rodriguez, Gianna Garcia, Seryna Sandoval, David Lara, Savana Chavarria, Mariana Reyes, Gloria Handres  Jandres, Jezabelle Longoria, and Moses Garcia Resources Katherine Shaw luevaletgj2o.pbworks.com/f/Student%20Cell%20Phone%20Use.pdf Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids www.hcde-texas.org/page/17  

This episode of the Making After School Podcast features my interview with Dr. Rich Milner, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development. We discuss the unique challegenes of working with students living in urban setting and how to address the opportunity gaps that many if these students encounter Guest Dr. H. Richard Milner IV. Dr. Milner is President of the American Educational Research Association, the largest research organization in the world. He is also an elected member of the National Academy of Education. He is a researcher, scholar and leader of urban education and teacher education. Centering on equity and diversity, he has spent hundreds of hours observing teachers' practices and interviewing educators and students in urban schools about micro-level policies that shape students' opportunities to learn..  During This Podcast you will learn information regarding the following A Description of urban education, what do we know regarding the subject, and what other information do we need to know Recommendations concerning how educators should support students of color, students living in poverty line, and those whose first language is not English. The difference between the term  “opportunity gaps.” and “achievement gap” The Teachers Race Talk Survey,one of the first survey instruments focused on teachers' reported beliefs about race and discourse. The three types of urban education Resources Dr. Richard Milner rich.milner@vanderbilt.edu Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focues on the positive influence mentors can have on the lives of youth. This is part two of the series.  During this podcast you will learn more regarding: Risk factors for youth who do not have access to a positive adult in their life beyond the school day educators? The difficulties regardomg finding mentors, for older boys of color How the lack of a mentor can lead some youth to incarceration. Resources Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.or Harris County Department of Educcation www.hcde-texas.org Case for Kids www.hcde-texas.org/CASE    

Today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast focues on the positive influence mentors can have on the lives of youth. A report by Dr. Jean E. Rhodes and Dr. David L. DuBois from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and University of Illinois at Chicago respectively, indicate that youth having had a mentoring relationship during adolescence exhibited significantly better outcomes regarding high-school completion, college attendance, and employment. To discuss his own personal joinery in developing mentoring relationships with youth is Today, my guest on the Making After School Cool podcase is Mr.  Mr. Terrell Williams Sr.    During this podcast you will learn more regarding: Risk factors for youth who do not have access to a positive adult in their life beyond the school day educators? The difficulties regardomg finding mentors, for older boys of color How the lack of a mentor can lead some youth to incarceration. Resources Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.or Harris County Department of Educcation www.hcde-texas.org Case for Kids www.hcde-texas.org/CASE    

Over the last two decades the emergence of after school programs have grown into its own industry. Initially, thought of a place where kids can stay after school until their parents come home from work, currently after school program are more complexed and can address students and community needs.  According to research conducted by Dr. Fashola, with John Hopkins and Howard Universities, her review of research literature on the subject indicates, by attending after-school programs participants can improve their socialization skills, programs can provide students with enriching experiences that broaden their perspectives of their life and future possibilities; and after-school programs can help to improve the academic achievement of students who may be struggling during regular school hours. Today on the Making After School Cool podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing CASE for Kids staff who are assigned to 21st Century program. This episode features Imyria Bledsaw. who was a high school students participating in the program and currently works on one of the sites, Briana Fips, Kathrine Delatorre, and Deshawn Gibson who are after school program specialist. I also interviewd  Keanda Fuller who is a Program Coordinator at Havard Elementary.  During our discussion they shared their experiences participating in and working for and out of school time program.

This is our third episode in our series regarding interacting with youth during the technology age. Today's episode focuses on guiding youth to be responsible when using cells phone and other forms of social media.  According to research conducted by Dr. Ling, and Dr. Haddon, published in the International Handbook of Children; as  kids age, their  use of mobile phones often  create unexpected  issues concerning child-parent relations, and peer-peer relationships because of their cell phone practices. To help parents and youth build a positive digital consciousness is my guest Richard Gary with the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication, also known as IROC2. During this podcast you will lean the following:  The initial motivation to create the Institute for Responsible Online Cellphone Communication, also known as IROC2, What's your target audience and what have you found to be the best way to reach them? Are all your services fee based or do you also offer free resources as well as are they offered virtually, in person or both? What should parents, school staff, after school practitioners and even peers be on the lookout to keep kids safe? The meaning for the term digital consciousness I see IROC2 also have podcast, what are some of the topics you discuss Any final comment you would love to share? Resources Richard Gary www.iroc2.org Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Case for Kids www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone

This is our second episode in our series regarding interacting with youth during this age of technological advancement. The more digitally literate children become, the more likely they will learn skills which empowers them to avoid the numerous online risks. Unfortunately, as digital skills develop with use, inequalities persist due to social economic status, age and, to a lesser degree, gender. One organization providing workshops and resources and support for families, schools, businesses, charities, and not-for-profits, is the White Hatter. During this podcast you will learn: What motivated the creation of the White Hatter What are the different topics you present for different age groups? What should people be on the lookout for to keep kids safe Are services offered virtually, in person or both Resources Brandon Laur is the CEO and instructor at The White Hatter, Contact@thewhitehatter.ca 1-855-478-9119 Mike Wilson Mwilson@hcde-texas.org Case For Kids CASE for Kids / Homepage (hcde-texas.org)

Today, the use of technology has grown exponentially and is commonplace in our everyday lives. However, without guidance and training from a caring adult, young people can unintentionally misuse their technological fluency as a valuable resource. To speak on living with teens in a digital age is Diana Graber. Diana is a digital literacy educator and advocate. She is the co-founder of Cyberwise, a leading online safety and digital literacy organization; and the founder of Cyber Civics, an innovative middle school digital citizenship and literacy program currently being taught in over 40 US states, as well as the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Africa.  During this episode you will learn about: What age should kids have their own electronic devices? A summary of "Cyber Civics" and "Digital Citizenship,” a Literacy Course for Middle School Students Why, it is important for parents, educators, and other caring adults to discuss the benefits and or dangers of technology The importance of understanding the term online reputation Resources Diana Graber www.cyberwise.org  Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Today's guest on the Making After School Cool Podcast is Ms. Maria Perez.  For the last 6 months Maria has been working here with Case as a project-based learning associate.  In fact I had to pleasure of assisting Maria with establishing a Youth oriented podcast created by kids.  To share her xperience, and what's it like to create project based learning activities for youth is my guest Maria Perez During this podcast you will learn about the following: What are benefits for involving students in project-based learning activities What are key essential elements needed for students to be successful in a project- based learning activities How do students frequently respond to the opportunity to develop and create their own project What are potential challenges students may encounter with their projects Advice and resources for a person who would want to lead students project-learning activities Resources Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone

Today's episode of the Making After School Podcast focus on ways parents can support students' emotional and educational needs.  My guest are my colleagues with CASE for Kids  Azelia O'Neal and Jesus Urdiales and they play an important role involving empowering parents to support their kids educational needs. They are Family Engagement Specialist supporting our 21st Century Community Center Campuses. During this podcast you will learn the following: The role parents play in regard to their child's academic success Advice for working parent who want to show support of their child's learning. Recommendation for parents when their child has exceeded the parents educational level Resources    Mike Wilsopn - mwilson@hcde-texas.org Azelia O'neal - AOneal@hcde-texas.org Jesus Urdiales - Jesus.Urdiales@hcde-texas.org  

Motivation for students and adult can at times be a challenge.  One resource adults and youth can use to stay on track is the Growth Times Infinity Podcast hosted by Reggie Bisor. This valuable resource provides guidance for people of all ages to develop personal, spiritual and mental strength to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.  During this podcast you will learn: Why  it is important for youth to explore a variety of activities to discover different things they might enjoy Why is personal development an important aspect of life for students of all ages At what age should young people start exploring personal growth, as well as, how does personal development help them with other aspects of their life pointer regarding skills that could help anyone improve their performance, attitude or quality of life Resources The Growth Times Infinity Podcast growthxinfinity.buzzsprout.com Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org  

This is part 2 part of a 2 part series regarding the life lessons youth can learn throuigh sports. Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. According to a study conducted by health.gov, 73 percent of parents believe that sports benefit their child's mental health, lowers their depression and creates higher self-esteem and confidence in their children. This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Joseph Harris the  II who is the Founder of Illusion Institute Basketballbased in Houston, Texas. During this podcast you will learn about the following:  The role sports can play in a young person's life  The types of life lessons youth s can learn when they participate in sports How parents can support students to prepair for post seconday learning  Resources Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone

This is part 1 of a 2 part series regarding the life lessons youth can learn throuigh sports. Research shows that participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, their families, and communities. According to a study conducted by health.gov, 73 percent of parents believe that sports benefit their child's mental health, lowers their depression and creates higher self-esteem and confidence in their children. This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Joseph Harris the  II who is the Founder of Illusion Institute Basketballbased in Houston, Texas. During this podcast you will learn about the following:  The role sports can play in a young person's life  The types of life lessons youth s can learn when they participate in sports Why is an understanding of illusions important What is the scholarship blue print and why is it a valuable tool for student athletes and their parents Resources Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone

Today we are happy to feature a Houston area program Girls on the Run. Girls on the run as the name implies involves girls' physical fitness but a whole lot more. The program provides  Girls of all abilities learn the opportunity  to embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. To tell us more about this amazing program is Mary  Callahan CEO During this episode you will learn more regarding the following: When was the organization established as well as its mission and purpose If Girls on the run is a local or national program Other aspect of the program beyond just teaching girls how to run Now you have programs for girls in grades 3-5 and 6-8 are there major differences between the two age groups Activities which encourage parents to be involved with their daughters Resources Girls on the Run Girlsontherun.org Mike Wilson Mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education HCDE-texas.org CASE for Kids hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone

Today we are previewing episode 119 of the Making After School Cool Podcast which features a Houston area program, Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run  provides more than physical fitness but works with girls mental and social development. The program provides  girls of all abilities the opportunity  to embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. To tell us more about this amazing program is Mary  Callahan CEO of Girls on the Run As always, I want to thank our listeners for joining me today for this preview as we highlight Girls on the Run. Please join me for this episode and future episodes as we continue to explore issues relevant to the out of school time filed  

Welcome to episode 118 of the Making After School Cool podcast which features my conversation with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne in honor of mental Health Awareness month.  For the past 70 years, the month of May has been dedicated to raising mental health awareness and is widely celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizations like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Mental Health America, and NAMI take this time to spread knowledge and fight stigmas surrounding mental health and well-being. Guest Dr. Clairborne is an author, TEDx Speaker, Podcast host of The Black Mind Garden Podcast , a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Hypnosis and the founder of the Mind Re-Mapping Academy Resource Dr. Clairborne drmaiysha.com Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org      

Today we are going to preview episode 118 of the Making After School Cool podcast which features my conversation with Maiysha Clairborne in honor of mental Health Awareness month.  For the past 70 years, the month of May has been dedicated to raising mental health awareness. And is widely celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month. Organizations like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Mental Health America, and NAMI take this time to spread knowledge and fight stigmas surrounding mental health and well-being. Guest Dr. Clairborne is an author, TEDx Speaker, Podcast host of The Black Mind Garden Podcast , a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Hypnosis and the founder of the Mind Re-Mapping Academy Resource Dr. Clairborne www.drmaiysha.com Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids  

This is a perview of EP 117 which focuses on mpowering parents to support the educational needs of their children.  My guest are Azelia O'Neal and Jesus Urdiales who are Family Engagement Specialist supporting CASE for Kids 21st Century Community Center Campuses.   

This is the first episode of a new series I'm developing regarding the advice adults in our community would give to their  younger self.  We've often heard the phrase, “If I had the chance to do it over again I would…” Of course that is not possible but in this series I give professionals the opportunity to share their life experiences with the next generation.  My guest today is Leonard Tolliver. Mr. Toliver.is a husband, father and works in the financial industry.   During this podcast you will learn more about the following: Background info about yourself (what are you doing now), As a kid what were things you were interested in, what and who were major influence in your life Tolliver's perceptions of today's youth, and the potential he see for the next generation What advice would he give youth regarding preparing for the future? What would he say to kids regarding the importance of developing and maintain a positive mindset How important is it to surround yourself with positive people and if you have trouble finding those types of folks what are other ways to get positive affirmations. Resources Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone  

Today we are previewing my interview with Leonard Tolliver  as part of a new series I am developing regarding the advice adults in our community would give to their  younger self.  We've often heard the phrase, “If I had the chance to do it over again I would…" Of course, that is not possible but, in this series, I give professionals the opportunity to share their life experiences with the next generation. Mr. Toliver.is a husband, father and works in the financial industry.  

Today's episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features students enrolled in the  Chavez High School 21st Century Community Learning Center program under the supervision of Ms. Keanda Fuller. This episode highlights the work of students who produced their own podcast episode entitled “The Teenage Life.”   This is a project-based learning activity that is coordinated by Maria Perez. During this podcast you will learn more about the following: The viewpoints of teenagers regarding adults in their lives A teenage female's perspective of the difference between how her parents' treatment and expectations of their daughters compared to their sons. A teenage male's perspective of the difference between how of her parent's treatment and expectations of their daughters compared to their sons. How teenagers feel they will treat their children Guest Chavez High School students Gloria Jandres,  Mariana Reyes Contreras. Romeo Vigil , Liliana Nava,  and Troy Bennatte Resources  Mike Wilson mwilson@hcde-texas.org Harris County Department of Education https://hcde-texas.org CASE for Kids https://hcde-texas.org/afterschool-zone