Making After-School Cool Podcast

Case4kids

The Making After-School Cool Podcast is an essential part of the CASE for Kids push to increase the awareness of resources that improve quality in the after-school and out-of-school time field. Join Mike Wilson and field experts as they discuss best practices, the growth mindset, project-based learning, social emotional learning, restorative practices and student engagement all with after-school providers in mind. Brought to you by Case4Kids

  1. 04/09/2025

    The CASE Clinic

    The topic of this episode, the CASE Clinic: A free training designed for after school direct service staff to help them feel confident as the new school year begins. During this episode  you will hear interviews with after-school program professionals discussing their work experiences, challenges, and approaches to working with youth. They share the importance of the following: Networking, The need for staff to have continuous learning opportunities through training, How to create an engaging learning environment The importance of building relationships The need to encourage youth voice The importance of continuous quality improvement. and advice for those interested in starting after-school programs, emphasizing the importance of child-centered programming and professional collaboration. Resources:  Harris County Department of Education - Harris County Department of Education / HCDE Homepage CASE for Kids - www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org

    16 min

  2. 18/06/2025

    Academia in Motion (AIM) Featuring Marcie Brooks

    This episode of Making Afterschool Cool podcasts focuses on getting youth and their families prepared for post-secondary education. Numerous research reports suggest in addition to academics’ soon to be college students need to master teamwork, resilience, self-management and time management skills (Nelson, 2012; Savitz-Romer & Bouffard, 2012; Tierney & Sablan, 2014). To speak on this topic is my guest today, Ms. Marcie Brooks.  Ms. Brooks is the Founder and Executive Director of Academia in Motion (AIM), a community driven, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering teens through life skills, college prep and career exploration.  Aim will host a College Readiness Camp June 26-29th   Resources: For more information regarding Academia In Motion contact Marcele Brooks - academiainmotion@gmail.com or find them on Facebook For more information regarding CASE for Kids and the Making After School Cool Podcast contact  Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org  or visit CASE for Kids @ CASE for Kids / Homepage

    27 min

  3. 30/05/2025

    The Coder School

    As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, the need for Coding specialist is growing. Many computer programs and app development requires special knowledge, vocabulary and expertise to create a useful tool. Coding is the topic of this episode and features my today’s guest, Mr. Chris Powell. Chris is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 15 years of experience working in various areas of IT, designing and securing large-scale cloud infrastructure across hybrid environments.  During this podcast you will learn about: What is Coding Successful coding projects Code Coaches have worked with students on What methods Code Coaches use to provide constructive feedback to students? Why it is enjoyable working in STEM Resources  TheCoderSchool - Spring spring.thecoderschool.com Visit us: https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/spring/

    17 min

  4. 19/05/2025

    The Power of the Spoken Word Featuring Ms. Ebony Stewart

    For those working with youth, one way to encourage young people to express themselves and their feelings is through the art of poetry. This brings me to the topic of this episode of the Making Afte School Cool podcast, the power of the spoken word in the form of poetry. To speak on this is my guest today, Ms. Ebony Stewart, Ms. Stewart. Ebony is also a mental health advocate, consultant, and former sexual health educator. As one of the most decorated poets in Texas, Ebony is a respected coach & mentor, one of the top touring poets in the country.  She has performed in 49 states, at over 200 colleges and universities across the country, as has been featured internationally in Canada, Australia, Ghana, and Norway. During this episode you will learn the following: How writing poetry can lead to self-discovery and personal growth. Sharing poetry can boost confidence and self-esteem. Poetry reflects cultural values, traditions, and foster an understanding of diverse cultures. Poetry stimulates creative thinking, imagination and enhances vocabulary, and linguistic skills. Resources: Ebony Stewart - EBONY STEWART - Home Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org

    20 min

  5. 09/05/2025

    CASE Spirit of Excellence Award Recipients 2025

    This episode of the Making After School Cool podcast features this year’s winners of the Spirit of Excellence Award at the CASE for Kids Annual End of the Year Celebration.  The recipients were nominated by professionals in the OST field based on their impact and influence or youth and community partners. This episode features this year’s winners including Tanisha "Tish" McDaniel, Devin Jamesson, Álvaro Carrillo, Crystalyn Jordan, Walter Hull and Josephine Jones.

    21 min

  6. 25/04/2025

    CASE for Kids EOY 25

    This episode of the Making Afte school Cool podcast recognizes the incredible contributions of dedicated professionals who enhance the experiences of youth attending after-school programs. Their hard work, creativity, and compassion creates a safe and enriching environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive. During this year's after school professionals’ appreciation week, CASE for Kids want to express gratitude to them for their dedication.

    21 min

  7. 10/04/2025

    Making the Right Choice featuring Josh Brown

    During this Podcast you will hear Josh Brown's story, which highlights the importance of decision-making and the potential life-changing dangers of alcohol. Josh, a 2012 Fairmont State University graduate, now gives presentations around the country to young people about the consequences of alcohol addiction, which led to a life-ending tragedy and three years of incarceration. Having started fresh, Josh has made it his mission to mentor young athletes about their potential in life without alcohol and drugs, sharing his story of redemption over the past two years at several high schools and college campuses. For more information, please contact on Josh Brown please visit  The Official Website of Josh Brown For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Podcast please contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org

    29 min

  8. 07/03/2025

    Social Emtional Learning Week Featuring Nora Tejada

    The first week of March has been designed at Social Emotional Learning week.  SEL programming in schools and after-school settings is growing, and social and emotional learning standards have been developed in many states at the secondary school level. and the SEL approach is increasingly of interest to those studying adolescent development My guest today is Nora Tejada, a Project Specialist with CASE for Kids.  During this podcast you will hear more about: Learn more about SEL week Ideas to promote Social Emotional Learning in after school How to get SEL resources For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Pocast, contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org

    14 min
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About

The Making After-School Cool Podcast is an essential part of the CASE for Kids push to increase the awareness of resources that improve quality in the after-school and out-of-school time field. Join Mike Wilson and field experts as they discuss best practices, the growth mindset, project-based learning, social emotional learning, restorative practices and student engagement all with after-school providers in mind. Brought to you by Case4Kids

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