Episode 60 - Shaping the Future: How Work-Based Learning Is Transforming Indiana High Schools

Episode 61 - Transforming Lives: Workforce Skills and Youth Opportunities at Boys and Girls Club

In this episode, Katie Rodriguez—mentor, coach, and community leader at the Boys and Girls Club—shares her journey and the transformative impact of workforce development and youth empowerment programs on young people in Indiana. Highlights: * Katie Rodriguez’s multifaceted role: from coach and mom to trusted mentor known as “Miss Katie” * Building trust and authentic connections with youth to foster growth * The power and necessity of early career exposure and workforce readiness programming * Creative partnerships, including hands-on trades days, collaborations with community organizations, and immersive experiences with University of Notre Dame * Real-life success stories: students overcoming challenges and gaining life-changing opportunities through culinary and STEM programs * Strategies for teaching vital real-world skills: communication, teamwork, time management, and soft skills * The supportive, inclusive environment at the Boys and Girls Club—from practical cooking clubs to one-on-one mentorship * How community members and local businesses can get involved and inspire the next generation, plus upcoming workforce development goals Key Takeaway: This episode underscores the powerful impact of mentorship and work-based learning experiences in shaping confident, capable young people—and invites the community to play an active part in building pathways to success for Indiana’s youth. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! * Leave a review * Share it with your friends * Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org [https://www.i4qed.org]

Episode 60 - Shaping the Future: How Work-Based Learning Is Transforming Indiana High Schools

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Harrell to break down Indiana’s sweeping new graduation requirements and the growing importance of work-based learning for high school students. Highlights: * Indiana’s graduation overhaul: Why the class of 2029 will experience a completely reimagined high school journey * The motivation behind change—connecting school to real-world outcomes, addressing chronic absenteeism, and closing the gap between college aspirations and actual enrollment * Introduction of “readiness seals,” allowing students to customize graduation requirements for enrollment, employment, or enlistment * How schools are adapting quickly to new requirements and the flexibility provided by the stackable, permeable nature of the seals * The critical role of early and ongoing career guidance, starting as early as middle school * What high-quality work-based learning really looks like: internships, apprenticeships, school-based enterprises, and even authentic workplace simulations * Equity in opportunity—approaches to ensuring all Indiana students, including those in rural and under-resourced communities, can access meaningful experiences * Building and sustaining employer and industry partnerships, and the growing role of intermediary organizations * Practical supports for schools: training plan templates, resources from the Department of Education and partner organizations, and the importance of not reinventing the wheel * Looking ahead: Greg Harrell’s vision for an Indiana where students graduate with industry-valued credentials and genuine readiness for whatever comes next Key Takeaway: This episode underscores Indiana’s bold steps to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences—giving every student the tools, options, and confidence to thrive after high school, regardless of their chosen path. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! * Leave a review * Share it with your friends * Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org [https://www.i4qed.org]

Episode 59 - Community Leadership and Innovation with Duane Wilson of the Boys and Girls Club

In this inspiring episode, Duane Wilson, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor, joins us to discuss the evolution and impact of community leadership in supporting youth and families across Indiana. Highlights: * Duane Wilson's personal and professional journey to leading the Boys and Girls Club * Innovative approaches during the pandemic—creation and evolution of e-learning hubs * Expansion of mental health and emotional well-being services with a full clinical team * Exciting plans for a new neighborhood community center, featuring intergenerational programming and wraparound family services * Powerful stories of youth transformation, including the journey of Rema, Midwest Youth of the Year * Duane Wilson's vision of impactful partnerships and a call for local businesses and organizations to engage with the club's mission * Reflections on the evolving needs of kids and the importance of innovation and connection in youth development Key Takeaway: This episode highlights the critical role of community organizations in adapting to changing educational and emotional needs, and invites listeners to support and join in the collective mission of empowering the next generation. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! * Leave a review * Share it with your friends * Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org [https://www.i4qed.org]

Episode 58: Finding the Right Fit: Janet Gunn's Journey of Supporting School Choice in Indiana

In this episode, Sarah and Cesar Roman sit down with Janet Gunn, a dynamic community leader and MSO ambassador from Greensburg, Indiana, to spotlight the real-world impacts of universal school choice. Together, they explore how policies enabling educational options are transforming families’ lives, with a special focus on the success of Good Shepherd Christian Academy. The conversation dives into the logistics of community organizing, what motivates parents to seek alternative school options, and the power of grassroots advocacy in driving state-level education reform. Highlights * How School Choice Opens Doors: Janet Gunn describes how universal school choice gives rural families access to private, faith-based education that once felt unattainable due to financial barriers. * Grassroots Organizing in Action: Insights into the “rock the block” event, parades, and outreach at Good Shepherd Christian Academy, including how these efforts boosted enrollment and awareness in the Greensburg area. * Community and Belonging: The episode unpacks the profound impact that volunteers, such as Janet Gunn, have in shaping tight-knit school environments—kids affectionately call her “Grammy,” underscoring deep relationship-building * Advocacy as a Game-Changer: Janet Gunn discusses how everyday parents and community members, not just policy experts, are instrumental in passing monumental legislation—and why your voice matters. * The Role of Faith and Community: The conversation centers on the value of Christian education, prayerful support systems, and community care at Good Shepherd. * Practical Steps for Families: Advice for parents looking for a new educational fit: visit schools, take tours, talk to staff, and trust your instincts to find the best environment for your child. Takeaways * School choice empowers families of all income levels to access private education—especially crucial in rural or lower-income areas. * Personal relationships and grassroots organizing drive enrollment and success, from fun events to one-on-one encouragement and outreach. * Advocacy at the local level truly makes statewide change possible; every voice has the potential to impact legislation and improve options for students. * Faith-based schools provide more than academics; they nurture community, care, and values, creating spaces where students and families thrive. * Finding the right educational fit is a journey; touring schools and meeting teachers is key to making informed, confident decisions. Want to learn more or get involved? - Contact Good Shepherd Christian Academy at 812-663-2410 or visit gscademy.org. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! * Leave a review * Share it with your friends * Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org [https://www.i4qed.org]

Episode 57 - Navigating New Digital Boundaries

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Cesar Roman to unpack the sweeping changes coming to Indiana schools with new laws banning cell phones and tightening protections around social media use for kids. They walk through what these state mandates mean for classrooms, teachers, parents, and students—both at school and at home. The conversation explores the reasons behind Indiana's new “bell to bell” cell phone ban, the costs and logistics of implementation, how exceptions will work for students with unique needs, and why non-public schools are exempt. Shifting beyond the classroom, Cesar breaks down newly enacted social media safeguards, including age verification and enhanced parental controls, and reflects on how these changes are part of a broader national movement to keep kids safe online. Highlights * The purpose and scope of Indiana’s new cell phone ban, including why lunch and passing periods are now covered * How the law aims to reduce digital distractions and provides clarity for teachers * Unexpected costs for schools, and how they can comply without new funding * Key exceptions: support for students with IEPs, medical needs, and multilingual learners * Why non-public schools retain autonomy and are not included in the cell phone ban * Overview of the new social media protections for those under 16, focused on tackling addictive features and advertising algorithms * New requirements for parental consent, monitoring, and the ability to set usage limits on social media accounts Takeaways * Uniform policies make it easier for teachers to maintain focused learning environments * Balancing student safety and parental concerns requires both clear rules and flexible exceptions * Implementing technology restrictions presents costs and operational challenges—especially when passed without new funding * Parental involvement is critical, with new laws empowering families to act as “digital gatekeepers” * These legislative steps are part of a growing national movement to address digital safety and student development both in and out of the classroom Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! * Leave a review * Share it with your friends * Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org [https://www.i4qed.org]