In this episode, Joyce Coffey interviews Sandy Smith, executive director of the Copper Mountain College Foundation, delving into her motivations and dedication. Sandy discusses her deep connection to the Hi-Desert community, her fundraising work, and her involvement in local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

Sandy highlights the community's collaborative spirit, which has led to achievements like the establishment of Copper Mountain College. She emphasizes the college's impact on students through its diverse programs and dedicated professors.

In this episode, Joyce delves into the unique and vibrant community of the Morongo Basin, located in Southern California, known as the “Hi Desert”, where residents treat their home like a living person. Joined by Steve Brown, a resident and lifelong journalist, they explore the intricate biodiversity of the desert, including the iconic Joshua tree and the ancient creosote bush. They also discuss what makes the community special, highlighting Steve's impactful work at Copper Mountain College.

Steve Brown is an accomplished journalist and the public relations specialist at Copper Mountain College, where he oversees the award-winning publication, Cacti Chronicles.

Joyce Coffey delves into the difficulties that young people encounter today, such as division, violence, and emotional isolation. She brings on two young guests, Christina and Joleen, who have thrived academically and socially despite these obstacles. Christina, a student from an all-girls private high school, shares her experiences with the emotional challenges of forming relationships and emphasizes the significance of clear communication in friendships. Joleen, who attended a large public high school in Los Angeles with a predominantly minority student body and a majority non-minority teaching staff, also shares her perspective.

Join us for an insightful episode of "YRV Thought-Partner," where host Joyce Coffey engages with Dane Stickney and Shawnee McPhail, two trailblazers in educational reform. In this episode, they discuss the dynamic shifts needed within the education system, the role of educators and students in shaping these changes, and the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the global and local landscapes of education.

McPhail, residing in Japan, delves into her efforts to integrate LGBTQ+ literature in classrooms, advocating for a broader representation and fostering an inclusive environment. Stickney, based in Denver, discusses his work on empowering youth through research and policy change, emphasizing the critical need for systemic transformations to accommodate student voices and needs.

Together, they explore how rapid transformations and incremental shifts in education can coexist, and they highlight the importance of community and policy support in effecting lasting change. Tune in to hear about the transformative power of education when it is driven by dedicated individuals who are committed to empowering students and rethinking traditional frameworks.

Youth Research Vox presents, Thought-Partner, a new podcast exploring innovative solutions, challenging norms, and inspiring change! Join us as we dive deep with leaders from academia, industry, and activism.

Tune in, become a thought-partner, and help us turn ideas into action. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform!