Making After-School Cool Podcast Case4kids

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:
 1. What motivated JC to start Teen Voice?
2. How to identify and recruit who are willing to share their experiences
3. What can be learned listing to youth voice?
4. Why is it important for youth to have vehicles to develop their own unique voice?

Today’s topic of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the power of building quality relationship with youth in OST programs. There is currently an explosion of research based on the need & interest in after-school programs. According to research published in the American Journal of Community Psychology “More Than Attendance: The Importance of After School Program Quality (Barton J. Hirsch • Megan A. Mekinda • Julie Ann Stawick, 2010)”
The rationale for these programs may include supporting working parents; enhancing school reform initiatives; providing mentors to young people; and/or providing youth with a voice in programs.  Today's episode highlights the work of my guest today, Mr. Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Founder and Executive Director of the EJS Project, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization which a focus on building and empowering our future leaders.
During this podcast you will learn more about:
This history of the EJS Project
Offering services that are attracted to youth.
The importance of community involvement and support a successful program.
Suggestions for mentoring youth?

This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast focuses on the Power of Poetry and the Spoken Word. Since, 1996, the month of April has been designated as National Poetry Month. This distinction reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. My guest today is a poet in the Houston area, Ms. Jo-Ann Blanchard. Ms. Blanchard has been writing since the age of 10 and is an advocate of domestic violence prevention and intervention.  During this podcast you will learn more about the following:
How Ms. Blanchard started to get recognized as a poet
How to develop poems
Overcoming the fear of sharing writings with others?
Overcoming Writers’ Block
How can the written word help youth struggling with mental health issues.
Resources
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
Ms. Jo Anne Blanchard – jahsayblancard@gmail.com
Harris County Department of Education – www.hcde-texas.org
CASE for Kids - www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone
 

The Afterschool is Cool Youth Expo focused on career opportunities in the field of technology, including digital innovation, energy entrepreneurship and life sciences, and incorporated the gamification of learning. The Expo is part of LevelUp Houston, Harris County’s newest student badging platform, developed by CASE for Kids and MyVoluntier and funded by the Houston Endowment through the Education Foundation of Harris County. 

Today’s topic features teenagers who are a member  of the City Of Houston Youth Ambassadors advisory group.  This group, under the direction of Ms. Laura Cuellar, are advisors to the city of Houston Mayor’s Office. The City of Houston Championing Change Youth Ambassadors include youth ages 13-18 who work to advance children’s rights and ensure youth voice is considered in the City of Houston's programs and decision-making.  They provide the youth’s perspective regarding issues faced by their age group.
During the episode you will hear the follow:
Current issues faced by their age group
What motivated them to get involved with advising the mayor’s office on youth issues
What advice would you give other students on why they should be involved with local government
There plans after high school
Resources
Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org
 Another Step for Youth child rights podcast 

My guest today on the Making After School Cool podcast is Dr. Crystal Belle. Dr. Belle is a published writer, activist, educator and professional development trainer.  She is an authority in, Diversity. Equity and Inclusion and education consultant, self-care coach and author. As the founder of Self Love Life 101, her goal is to help people live their best lives through online video coaching, educational consulting and fitness/wellness. 
Resource
Dr. Crystal Belle
Home | Dr Crystal Belle
Mike Wilson
mwilson@hcde-texas.org