What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous Stride, Inc.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math are projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031 much faster than non-STEM occupations.
While numerous students are interested in STEM careers, many do not feel prepared to pursue jobs in the field. 
Why is it important for students to understand science? What opportunities are available for students interested in STEM? And how can we make science fun for kids?
In this episode, Dr. Kate Biberdorf shares how we can make science fun.
Meet Kate
Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a chemist, science entertainer, best-selling author, and professor at The University of Texas. 
Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist while reaching students who might otherwise be intimidated by science.
This is, What I Want to Know.
 

According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens.  From mass shootings to isolated incidents, gun violence has emerged as a tragic issue continuously plaguing our schools.  
How can we identify the signs of violence? How can students, parents, and educators safely intervene? And how can we prevent violence in schools? 
In this episode, Nicole Hockley, CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, joins Kevin to discuss how we can prevent violence in schools. 
Meet Nicole
Nicole Hockley is the co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. 
After her youngest son, Dylan, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Nicole transformed her grief into action. She works every day to protect children from gun and school violence. 
This is, What I Want to Know.

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 76% of kids play video games. With their ability to build problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills video games are starting to make their way to the classroom.
What are the benefits of video games? What role should parents have in choosing the games their child plays? And how can video games be used as tools for learning?
In this episode, Stanley Pierre-Louis joins Kevin to discuss how video games can be used as a tool for learning.
Meet Stanley:
Stanley Pierre-Louis is the President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, an organization dedicated to being the voice and advocate for the video game industry. 
With more than two decades of entertainment and media experience, Stanley leads ESA’s efforts to showcase the impact the video game industry has on business, entertainment, and culture. 
This is, What I Want to Know.
 

Research shows that girls and young women lose interest in science and math as they move through their school years. And now, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce.
How can we use science to inspire kids? Why is it important for girls to see themselves represented in the field? And how can we encourage an interest in science in young girls?
In this episode, Melissa Alderete joins Kevin to share how we can encourage an interest in science in young girls.
Meet Melissa:
Melissa Alderete is the founder of Science Girl’s Lab, an organization that provides science activities, experiments, and experiences to teachers, students, and their families to inspire the next generation of scientists.
This is, What I Want to Know.
 

We all know that philanthropy is important in education. Many worthwhile organizations rely on the generosity of philanthropic groups who are determined to help kids and schools through their donations. But the needs of schools have changed, particularly following the pandemic.
What is the role of philanthropy in education? How has education philanthropy changed in recent years? And where do we expect future philanthropy to focus their support for schools. 
In this episode, Hanna Skandera joins Kevin to discuss the role of philanthropy in education.
Meet Hanna:
Hanna Skandera is the President and CEO of the Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming… through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative.
Previously, Hanna served as the Secretary of Education for the state of New Mexico.
This is, What I Want to Know.

Over the past decade, children’s literature has become far more diverse. In fact, research found that in 2022 about 45 percent of kids’ and teens’ books had a nonwhite author, illustrator, or compiler, which was up from only 8 percent in 2014.
How can we encourage representation in children’s books? What are the impacts of diverse representation in children’s literature? And why is it important for kids to see themselves in their favorite books? 
In this episode, Alliah Agostini joins Kevin to discuss why representation matters in children’s literature. 
Meet Alliah:
Alliah Agostini is an author and speaker. She is the author of several books… including the acclaimed The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States and the upcoming Oprah Winfrey: A Little Golden Book Biography.
Alliah writes to spread joy, truth, and to help more children see themselves reflected on the page.
This is, What I Want to Know.