Making After-School Cool Podcast

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/

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

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.

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.

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

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:

1. Learn more about SEL week
2. Ideas to promote Social Emotional Learning in after school
3. How to get SEL resources

For more information regarding the Making After School Cool Pocast, contact Mike Wilson at mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Healthy Heart Nation Fayez Eyabi

This episode of the Making After School Cool Podcast features Fayez Eyabi, an undergraduate student at UC Riverside. Originally from Escondido, California, Fayez is pursuing a medical career and is committed to addressing the health disparities in underserved communities. He believes such efforts are vital for improving health outcomes and empowering individuals.

The Power of Mindset Part 2 Featuring Dr. Zimmer

This is part 2 of a 2 part series focusing on how our mindset and thinking shape our level of future success.  To speak on this is my guest to day Dr. Wendi Zimmer. Wendi is an expert in mindset development, a professor, an educational consultant, and creator of the Mindset Factor. 

During this episode you will learn: 

1. The Four pillars of the Force Continuum and how it can change how people view themselves and help them achieve their goals
2. The difference between working in groups and collaborating with others to achieve a goal.
3. A brief description of you Weekly Bits of Wonderful Writing Wisdom

Resources 

Dr. Zimmer - wendi@wendizimmer.com

Mike Wilson - mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Part 1 The Power of Mindset Featuring Dr. Wendi Zimmer

The Making After School Cool Podcast is produced by CASE for kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education and is hosted by Mike Wilson

This is part one of a 2-part series of episodes which, focuses on the influence our mindset have on our lives. There are many perspectives and theories regarding how our thinking shape our level of future success and to speak on this is my guest to day Dr. Wendi Zimmer  

During this podcast you will hear about:

1. Zimmer’s definition of mindset
2. How does our mindset strengthen or weaken what we can achieve.
3. How does our thoughts control our emotions?
4. The four pillars of the Force Continuum and how it can change how people view themselves and help them achieve their goals.

Resources:

Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org

Dr. Wendi Zimmer – wendi@wendizimmer.com

Useing Hip Hop pedagoy to Teach Financial Literacy

The topic of today’s episode of the Making After School Cool podcast, focuses on the use of Hip Hop pedagoy to teach financial literacy in underserved communties.  My guest is Joshua Marks who’s passion for the hip-hop inspired him to develop a curriculum called "Hip Hopportunity." The vision of Hip Hopportunity LLC is to create an inclusive learning environment for youth of all backgrounds that fosters critical thinking & financial literacy through hip-hop pedagogy.

 During this podcast you will learn about the following:

1. The motivation behind developing Hip Hopportunity
2. The disparity in financial literacy among diverse groups of people and the importance regarding closing the economic gap
3. The types of activities and lessons youth can learn from Hip Hopportunity
4. The importance for youth to have a vehicle to share their voice, culture and language without judgment.

Resources

Hip Hopportunity - www.hip-hopportunity.com

Joshua Marks – joshua@hip-hopportunity.com

Mike Wilson – mwilson@hcde-texas.org