Whole Child Consulting

As the year comes to an end, here’s a look back at the top quotes from the Dope Student Podcast—the best podcast in the Philadelphia School District! 🎙️✨ 🔥 “Exposure changes lives. The earlier we introduce students to opportunities, the more we empower them to dream bigger.” 🔥 “The trades don’t just build things; they build futures. Start young, start strong.” 🔥 “Mentorship isn’t just guidance—it’s hope wrapped in experience.” 🔥 “Success is staying curious and never giving up, no matter how many times you fail.” 🔥 “Education isn’t just in books; it’s in the hands-on lessons that prepare you for real life.” This year has been unforgettable, and it’s only up from here! 🌟 Thank you to all the incredible guests, students, and supporters who made this possible. 🚨 Stay tuned for what’s next in 2025! More guests, more real-world connections, and more dope conversations that inspire change. #DopeStudentPodcast #PhillyEducation #RealTalk #StudentVoices #tradeseducation Liam N. Power

🧠 Why “Less Emotional” Doesn’t Mean “Better Decisions” ♥️ We often hear that emotions cloud judgment and that the best decisions are purely logical. But here’s the surprising truth: emotions are essential for making good choices. Research shows that people with damage to a specific part of the brain (the vmPFC, which processes emotional input) actually make worse decisions—not better ones. Without emotions to guide them, they struggle to weigh the real-world impact of their choices. For example, they might make cold, overly logical decisions (like sacrificing a loved one to save strangers) or fail to learn from mistakes in situations like gambling. Emotions aren’t distractions—they’re signals that help you understand what’s at stake. Without them, decisions can become detached and even harmful. It seems the best decisions come from both the heart and the mind working together! #Decisions #EmotionalWisdom

THINKING: I need to finish putting this tool together- Fairlearn Action & Strategy Technology (FAST) will be designed to proactively identify and address disparities in educational programs, such as dual enrollment access, thereby promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students. The Fairlearn Equity Dashboard (FED) will enable schools to assess disparities in programs like dual enrollment, uncovering and addressing gaps in access and opportunity. With actionable insights, such as identifying gender biases in course participation or academic preparedness, the dashboard turns data into strategies that promote inclusion and equity. The potential I envision will be profound: from targeted outreach to informed curriculum adjustments, the FED equips educators and administrators to make data-informed decisions, ensuring that every student has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. This is not just a tool—it’s a step toward a more inclusive educational landscape. My inspiration: Responsible AI dashboard: A one-stop shop for operationalizing Responsible AI in practice https://lnkd.in/g_q8dMfD #Fairlearn #EquityInEducation #DataInformedDecisions #EducationInnovation #InclusionMatters #DualEnrollment #StudentSuccess #MachineLearningForGood #EdTech #EducationalEquity #WSIPC

As OIC of America (OICA) ignites the movement for economic justice by building the Sullivan Training Network, we just took one big step. OICA is now approved to be an active applicant with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), allowing our partners and affiliates to deliver training that follows NCCER standards. Students will earn credentials whose standards are recognized around the world.   Employers need millions of skilled people. That’s why we’re building a nationwide network that educates low-income and justice-involved workers, building pathways to new careers, pathways out of poverty, and pathways to stronger communities. Our partners are doing it. OIC of America is doing it. Because America works best when America works together.

The latest projections for high school graduates through 2041 are out. And while nothing is too surprising—2025 is peak graduation year (as we discussed on the Future U Podcast at the start of this season: https://lnkd.in/eiSR2kKy), the numbers are still stark. 📉 In Maryland, where my kids will graduate in 2028 and 2030, the number of high school graduates is projected to drop by 11%. These figures come from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's Knocking at the College Door report, the leading source on high school demographics. Two charts stood out to me: ⚠️ Demographic Shifts. Every racial/ethnic group is expected to decline except for those identifying as Hispanic or Multiracial—the only groups projected to grow. Historically, these groups haven’t driven enrollment trends in higher ed, so colleges will need to rethink recruitment strategies. 🎓 The Year After High School. The immediate college enrollment rate is down, largely because of a significant drop at community colleges. Not every student wants to go straight to a four-year college after high school. It’s clear we need more than just TWO primary options for post-secondary education. What are your thoughts? How should higher ed adapt?