Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

HISD's Controversial Curriculum, Youth Leadership & FIFA, Gen Z Panel on Voting

On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, discuss education, youth leadership, and civic engagement. * HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmenchaca/], Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, explains HISD's adoption of the Bluebonnet curriculum, budget challenges, and what families should know heading into the new school year. * Youth Leadership Through Community: Mark Martin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-martin-a197494/] of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston discusses how FIFA World Cup and America250 programming are helping young people develop leadership skills, build community, and engage in civic life. * Gen Z & Voting: Natalie Gonzalez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-gonzalez-683159311/], Abby Antoun [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailantoun/], and Lucy Lusk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-lusk/] of CHILDREN AT RISK share how young adults view voting, civic engagement, and the issues motivating Gen Z to participate in their communities. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

Make America Healthy Again Agenda, Rothko Chapel, DACA Anniversary

On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, explore the intersection of public health, social justice, and immigration policy. * Understanding MAHA Policy: Dr. Chris Kulesza [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kulesza-ph-d-52980a37/], aka "Dr. Data," breaks down the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, discussing child nutrition, school meals, SNAP policy, food access, and the challenges of improving children's health outcomes. * Art, Faith & Human Rights: Kelly Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-johnson-1465b62a/], Chief Engagement Officer at the Rothko Chapel, discusses how art, spirituality, and social justice intersect to foster dialogue, community, and civic engagement. * The DACA Anniversary: Krystal Gomez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-gomez-3389406/], Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, reflects on the 14th anniversary of DACA, examines recent immigration-related Supreme Court decisions, and discusses the future of immigration policy for young people and families. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

Human Trafficking and the World Cup, Immigrant Children & STAAR Testing Results from HISD

On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Abbi Antoun, Development Intern at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into some key issues impacting children and families across Texas. * HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmenchaca/], Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down HISD's new Kinder Bridge program, early literacy initiatives, and what the latest STAAR results reveal about student learning across the district. * Human Trafficking & the World Cup: Dr. Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/higinio-fernandez-sanchez-1310a9233/] of UT Health discusses human trafficking as a public health issue, who is most vulnerable, and what communities should know as Houston prepares to host World Cup events. * Immigrant Children: Krystal Gomez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-gomez-3389406/], Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explores how immigration policies affect children and families, the challenges facing immigrant youth in Texas, and what policymakers should consider when crafting immigration policy. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks

On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," explore key issues affecting students, families, and public health in Texas. HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest STAAR results, the state takeover of HISD, enrollment trends, and changes to universal free meal programs. The Learning Recession: Dr. Cathy Horn, Dean of the University of Houston College of Education, examines declining student achievement, the future of assessments, and challenges facing higher education. Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, explains recent concerns surrounding Hantavirus and Ebola, and discusses how experts communicate during emerging public health events. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!

The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities

On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore key issues impacting children, families, and communities across Houston and Texas. Community Well-Being & Belonging: Stephen Ives [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ives/], President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, joins the show to discuss children's physical fitness, the impact of screen time and mental health challenges and why fostering connection and belonging is critical for healthy communities. Educational Leadership in HISD: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmikemiles/] reflects on three years leading the district, discusses student achievement and his vision for the future of public education. Plus, hear Hip Speak with Lucy Lusk and test your knowledge with the Data of the Day Quiz featuring Dr. Chris Kulesza. Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org [http://kpft.org]!