Don Wettrick, CEO of the StartEdUp Foundation, champions entrepreneurial education by transforming high school students into proactive problem solvers. He discusses leveraging AI to enhance opportunity recognition and design thinking skills. Wettrick emphasizes entrepreneurship as a universal skill set useful across various careers. He highlights the Innovate Within pitch competition, which encourages tackling real-world problems and the creation of innovation hubs in schools. His insights inspire young entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful challenges and foster community connections.

The hosts dive into the exciting intersection of AI and education, exploring how tech can create personalized music and reshape learning experiences. They discuss the paradox of rising unemployment in tech despite claims of labor shortages and emphasize competency-based education for lifelong learners. The conversation features humorous insights on abundance in EdTech, while stressing the need for human connections amidst digital innovation. Ultimately, they advocate for a transformative approach to education that values experience over grades.

Join Peter Van Mondfrans from YouScience, Kaitlyn Tyler of the Greater Springfield Partnership, and Jamison Truebenbach from the Global Impact STEM Academy as they dive into revolutionary career navigation for students. They discuss YouScience's gamified aptitude assessments that connect students with real-world careers. Discover how local partnerships and hands-on internships empower students, fostering a vibrant workforce. The guests emphasize the essential merging of education with industry to ensure that students not only thrive but also feel confident in their career journeys.

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Tiffany Green, the visionary founder of Uprooted Academy. This innovative platform is designed to transform the college application journey for young students by incorporating holistic elements such as financial literacy, wellness, and community engagement. Tiffany shares her personal experiences and insights, revealing how Uprooted Academy is not just about getting students to college but ensuring they thrive through comprehensive support that tackles often-overlooked areas like mental health and family involvement. By employing technology and AI, Uprooted Academy personalizes the college preparation process, making it more accessible and equitable for underrepresented communities. Tiffany discusses the systemic challenges faced by students in navigating the complex college application landscape and how Uprooted Academy addresses these issues through a community-centric approach. The platform's unique features, like the AI assistant Rudy, provide students with tailored guidance, helping them manage stress and build a support network. With a mission to redefine educational equity, Uprooted Academy equips students, families, and educators with the tools and knowledge needed for long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging technology and community resources to close educational gaps and empower the next generation of learners. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (01:28) Tiffany's Personal Journey and Inspiration (05:44) Holistic Approach to Student Support (07:11) The Role of Technology in Uprooted Academy (10:27) Building a Supportive Community (18:13) Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles (26:02) The Importance of Wellness and Co-Regulation (29:34) Empowering Students and Communities (32:08) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links: Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Uprooted Academy The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma  David Brooks -  December Cover Story: David Brooks on How the Ivy League Broke America

Aylon Samouha, CEO of Transcend and co-founder of The Third Way, dives into innovative education reform. He discusses the limitations of traditional top-down approaches and the need for community-based design. Aylon emphasizes the importance of listening to students to create effective learning environments. He reflects on how the pandemic reshaped educational perspectives, urging for greater parental involvement and emotional intelligence in teaching. The conversation cleverly parallels jazz with education, highlighting creativity and collaboration as keys to success.

Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist and author of "The Disengaged Teen," and Rebecca Winthrop, director at the Center for Universal Education, dive into the crucial topic of teen engagement. They discuss the alarming decline in school enthusiasm and the four engagement modes: passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer. Highlighting the importance of teaching agency, they offer practical strategies for parents and educators. The duo underscores the need for nurturing curiosity and crafting engaging learning environments to combat the disengagement crisis.

Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with postsecondary opportunities and careers. Join us as we speak with Dr. Lazaro Lopez, Associate Superintendent, and inspiring students Ayana and Georgie, who share their unique paths in healthcare and engineering. Discover how these learners are navigating their futures with confidence and purpose in an ever-evolving world. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (02:11) Georgie's Journey in Engineering (05:05) Ayanna's Path to Medicine (09:36) The Role of Educators and Industry Connections (16:09) Success Metrics and Future Directions Links: Watch the full video Read the full blog here Illinois Accelerate ED Dr. Lazaro Lopez LinkedIn D214 Pathways Handbook

Michael Horn, an expert in jobs-to-be-done theory and author of "Job Moves," discusses how to align career choices with personal goals. He emphasizes the concept of 'hiring' your job and making intentional choices based on personal values. Michael shares insights on crafting compelling personal narratives and the evolving job market's impact on credentialing and hiring practices. He encourages listeners to find fulfillment beyond traditional paths and underscores the importance of storytelling in career development.

Abby Falik, founder of The Flight School, discusses transformative education for high school graduates. She advocates for a 'launch year' that goes beyond traditional gap years, focusing on personal exploration and experiential learning. Falik emphasizes the need for cultivating essential human skills in an AI-driven world, such as empathy and resilience. She also highlights the importance of aligning personal passions with global needs and envisions engaging a million young people through her initiative by 2035, aiming to reshape education's future.

Whitney Marsh, Chief of Staff at ASU Prep, and Jennifer Mellor, Chief Innovation Officer at the Greater Phoenix Chamber, discuss Arizona's unbundled learning ecosystem. They highlight how this innovative model breaks down educational silos, bridging K-12, higher education, and workforce preparation. The conversation delves into real-world learning experiences through partnerships with local businesses. They also address the evolving dynamics of high school internships and the impact of the pandemic on education, emphasizing the need for personalized, flexible pathways for student success.