Making After-School Cool Podcast

The topic of this episode, the CASE Clinic: A free training designed for after school direct service staff to help them feel confident as the new school year begins. During this episode  you will hear interviews with after-school program professionals discussing their work experiences, challenges, and approaches to working with youth. They share the importance of the following: Networking, The nee...

This episode of Making Afterschool Cool podcasts focuses on getting youth and their families prepared for post-secondary education. Numerous research reports suggest in addition to academics’ soon to be college students need to master teamwork, resilience, self-management and time management skills (Nelson, 2012; Savitz-Romer & Bouffard, 2012; Tierney & Sablan, 2014). To speak on this topi...

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...

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 forme...

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,...

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 t...

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,...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 f...

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. Duri...

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 inter...

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 d...

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 in...

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 Ac...

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...

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...

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 fear...

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 po...

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 hig...

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...