How has the value of the Pell Grant evolved from a crucial lifeline to a mere drop in the bucket when it comes to covering today's skyrocketing tuition fees? Join us on Make the Leap as we uncover the historical shifts and present-day challenges faced by low-income students navigating the financial aid landscape. We'll take you back to 1972, when the Pell Grant was introduced, and contrast its purchasing power then versus now. Through real-life examples from Michigan's public and private colleges, we illustrate how the gap between financial aid and actual tuition has widened, leaving students with overwhelming financial burdens.

Ever wondered why the financial aid process feels like an uphill battle for so many? This episode dives deep into the systemic hurdles that underrepresented groups face, from complex FAFSA requirements to the often inaccessible documentation needed for tax filings. We emphasize the critical role of financial aid administrators and the importance of exercising professional judgment to foster a more empathetic and comprehensive approach. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, we advocate for policies that genuinely understand and alleviate the struggles of low-income students.

Technology has the potential to revolutionize the student financial aid experience, but is it a double-edged sword? We explore how digital tools can both simplify and complicate the process, offering self-paced resources and targeted support while also increasing complexity. This episode sheds light on the recent overhaul of FAFSA aimed at simplification and discusses the paradox of choice in educational decision-making. From exploring the shift from grants to loans to personal anecdotes highlighting the financial instability caused by student debt, we offer a compelling discussion on the evolving financial aid landscape. Tune in for insights that could change the way we support our future scholars.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Can education truly be a vehicle for social change and equity? Join us on "Make the Leap" as we explore this compelling question with Ronnese McKinney, a fervent advocate for student success and social mobility. Ronnese shares her personal journey and stresses the vital need to view education as a public good, not just a commodity. We'll discuss the historical context of the GI Bill and its impact on societal views about education, while highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups in accessing quality education and securing well-paying jobs. Brad, Kristen and George lend their voices to this essential conversation, posing critical questions about how we can address and mitigate these disparities.

Our discussion broadens as we delve into a multifaceted approach to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. We emphasize the importance of holistic and inclusive learning that starts early, even from preschool, to better prepare students for college and careers. Students from low-income backgrounds often face unique barriers, and by focusing on personal empowerment and nurturing a belief in their potential, we can help them envision a brighter future. The conversation sheds light on the need to start career conversations early and aims to create a supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

In the final chapter, we tackle the complex issue of equal access to quality education and the role of parental support in underserved communities. We discuss how systemic inequalities and logistical barriers, like transportation, can impede access to good schools. While emphasizing the importance of personalized learning and using available resources, we also debate the limitations of relying solely on parents to guide their children's education. Instead, we advocate for targeted support within schools, such as small class sizes and one-on-one tutoring, to level the playing field and ensure every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance at success. Join us for this thought-provoking episode and discover the steps we can take towards a more equitable education system.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Can unequal access to technology create insurmountable barriers for low-income students, further widening the socioeconomic divide? Join hosts Brad Constant and George Grayeb on Make the Leap as we tackle this pressing issue head-on. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of the digital divide on low-income students, particularly in online and hybrid learning environments. With special guest Dr. Rhonda Baughman from Ross College Online, we dive into the challenges these students face, from the lack of reliable internet to the absence of functional devices, and how these hurdles limit their educational experiences and future prospects.

Dr. Baughman brings her valuable perspective as an online English and literature instructor, sharing her proactive approaches to create a supportive and equitable learning atmosphere. Through subtle prompts in assignments and open communication, she builds trust with her students, uncovering underlying issues that impact their academic performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of rapid, consistent communication and a non-judgmental, collaborative environment where students can thrive despite challenging home environments.

As we look toward the future, we discuss the evolving role of technology in education and the critical need to equip students with essential digital skills. Dr. Baughman and our hosts address the importance of institutions like Ross College in bridging the digital divide through resources, training, and personalized support. The conversation concludes with reflections on the potential benefits of hybrid learning models and a preview of our next episode on education for social change. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on how we can all contribute to creating a more equitable digital learning landscape.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Can financial stress and limited resources turn homes into battlegrounds for those already struggling to make ends meet? Listen as we unravel the complex web linking poverty, domestic violence, and health. We spotlight the heightened risks faced by women in disadvantaged groups and dissect how economic disparities in relationships can be weaponized by abusers. Kristen Beal, our insightful guest, delves into the multifaceted forms of abuse and the compounded hurdles marginalized individuals encounter when seeking help. Our discussion reveals the stark power dynamics at play in poorer communities and the far-reaching impacts on women's health and economic stability.

In our deep dive into support services, we explore the crucial role of culturally competent assistance—from crisis hotlines and emergency shelters to legal aid and healthcare. We underscore the specific vulnerabilities of immigrants and low-income families, shedding light on innovative solutions like discreet mobile apps and the integration of local resources with national hotlines. The conversation pivots to the urgent need for accessible resources, job opportunities for women, and the importance of paid leave. We wrap up by addressing the digital divide in education, proposing practical strategies to ensure equitable access to technology for all students. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges of domestic violence in impoverished communities.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Have you ever considered the silent struggles of America's foster children, hidden in plain sight until a dire headline seizes our attention? Together with our passionate guest, Kristen Beal, who has tirelessly worked with juvenile offenders and advocated for child victims, we peel back the layers of the foster care system to reveal the intricate challenges faced by nearly 400,000 young souls. As Kristen shares her insights from her roles in the Delaware Peace Collaborative and Friends of CASA, we unfurl the stories of these 'invisible' children, underscoring the transformative power of a consistent, nurturing adult presence in their lives.

This episode traverses the landscape of foster care, from the Court Appointed Special Advocates in Ohio to the struggles facing older teens on the cusp of independence. We tackle the tough questions: Why do educational deficits persist among foster children? What leads to the overrepresentation of impoverished youth in the system? And most importantly, how can education and individual advocacy bridge the gap of access and opportunity? Through our heartfelt discussion, an invitation is extended to each listener to become a beacon of hope, as we celebrate the victories born of collaboration between foster parents, county services, and educators. Join us for a conversation that not only sheds light on these pressing issues but also ignites a call to action for the sake of our nation's foster youth.


National Casa - The National CASA/GAL Association for Children supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect.

childwelfare.gov - a gateway to trusted resources on the child welfare continuum.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Host George Grayeb is joined by Rochelle Hoskins to discuss Rochelle's journey to becoming a Medical Assistant, career path after graduation, passion for student success, and desire to help people find the resources they need to succeed.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Host George Grayeb is joined by Randy Wassink, a co-leader at Keystone Community Church in Ada, MI. The pair discuss the intersection of religion, education and poverty.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Host George Grayeb is joined by Danielle Millman, President at Otter Learning, to discuss the importance of education in overcoming poverty and the education obstacles that impede social mobility.

We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.

Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.