Everyone Graduates Center

In this episode of Designing Education, James Ellout, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Northeast Florida joins Dr. Robert Balfanz to talk about how community organizations can partner with schools to increase student success.

Four years after the height of the pandemic, schools are still facing high rates of absenteeism, declining academic achievement, and growing well-being challenges. These needs are often too great for schools to address alone.

James shares how United Way of Northeast Florida is helping bring community partners and schools together to expand capacity, provide timely supports, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Listen now to hear how these partnerships are helping schools reimagine what it takes to support all young people on the path to success.

https://designingeducation.every1graduates.org/

In our nation’s urban areas—and communities everywhere—girls face real challenges on the path to academic success and adulthood. But Girls Inc. of Chicago is showing what’s possible when we harness the power of youth helping youth.

In this inspiring conversation, CEO Yani Mason talks with Dr. Robert Balfanz about near-peer supports—high school students serving as mentors, tutors, and success coaches—and how they’re transforming communities, building leadership skills, and strengthening school connectedness.

🔗https://designingeducation.every1graduates.org/
Education

New Podcast Episode from Designing Education!
Andy Schmitz, senior managing director of system impact at OneGoal, joins Dr. Robert Balfanz to explore how schools can close the guidance gap. From leadership networks to data systems and innovative partnerships, this episode is packed with ideas that can make a significant impact for students nationwide.
🎧 Listen now → https://designingeducation.every1graduates.org/
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In episode seven of Designing Education, Tim Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, joins Dr. Robert Balfanz for a thought-provoking discussion about the evolving role of American high schools. This episode examines the urgent need to redesign high school education to meet the demands of today’s world, focusing on preparing students for modern opportunities and challenges, creating smoother transitions to post-secondary education or training, and empowering families to make informed decisions.
The discussion sheds light on a critical issue: the sharp decline in college enrollment among the Class of 2024. This cohort, shaped by a disrupted high school experience during the pandemic—virtual learning in ninth grade, increased absenteeism in tenth grade—now questions the relevance of traditional education.
Far from being a temporary setback, this trend signals concerns for the future. Educational attainment remains essential, with profound connections to health, civic engagement, and economic prosperity. This episode is a call to action for educators, leaders, families, and communities to collaborate in reimagining high schools and post-secondary transitions, ensuring students are equipped to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.
https://designingeducation.every1graduates.org/