What if the best education for your child was only a matter of a redirected tax payment away—no extra cost required?

On this eye-opening episode of Lou Diamond’s "Unconventional Times," host Richard Gordon dives deep into the world of educational access and equity with guests Greg Beadles (co-founder of Arete Scholars Fund and President of the Atlanta Falcons) and Arthur Dupre (President of Arete Scholars). In an era where parents are demanding more choices—and public school isn't always the right fit—this conversation exposes the hidden landscape of how privately funded scholarships are bridging the divide for under-resourced families who crave a better education for their children.

Get the inside story on how Arete Scholars is changing thousands of lives through a unique partnership model and innovative tax credit programs, offering partial scholarships that make private education accessible to families who otherwise couldn’t dream of affording it. Discover the real impact: families with modest means contributing thousands out of pocket because they believe so fiercely in their children’s futures. The episode unpacks how these programs work, the accountability built in for schools and families, and why this isn’t just an issue for "red states"—but a non-partisan movement with massive potential for nationwide expansion.

Plus: how word of mouth and near-zero marketing budgets drive Arete’s growth, why public schools can benefit from this competitive model, and a candid look at the practical realities for both families and donors—including corporations who can literally redirect their tax bills to support kids in need.

And, as a treat for sports fans: learn how the lessons Greg Beadles brings from the Atlanta Falcons intersect with his mission for transformative education.

Episode Highlights:

• The shocking tax credit secret that could rewrite the rules of educational access
• Arete’s three-way partnership: family, school, and scholarship working together
• Real-life stories: single moms making less than $50K investing in their kids’ education
• The truth about whether programs like these "skim the cream" from public schools
• The bipartisan nature of education choice—and expansion plans across the US
• A behind-the-scenes look at Atlanta Falcons management and the impact of NIL deals in college sports

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 – Intro & the changing landscape of education choice

02:07 – Meet the guests: Greg Beadles & Arthur Dupre, Arete’s mission

02:56 – What sparked the founding of Arete?

04:34 – How Arete’s scholarship model works

07:45 – Who gets the scholarships and how much do families contribute?

10:53 – Role of partner schools & accountability

12:35 – The mechanics of portable scholarships and parental choice

14:12 – How schools qualify and why competition matters

16:00 – Arete’s growth, national expansion, and future vision

17:53 – Moving beyond scholarships: holistic support for students

20:28 – Scholarship duration and tracking alumni success

21:42 – Is education choice a political issue?

24:36 – How tax credits fuel Arete’s impact

27:22 – Tax credits explained for corporations and individuals

34:03 – How students and families find Arete and qualify

36:48 – Meeting overwhelming demand and tough funding choices

39:14 – Addressing criticisms: does this hurt public schools?

41:12 – Quick-fire: Atlanta Falcons, NIL changes, sports & education

44:41 – How to get involved with Arete (as a donor or family)

45:44 – Final words, impact stories, and how to learn more

Tune in for a conversation that will make you rethink what’s possible—not just for education, but for how ordinary people and businesses can dramatically change lives, all while solving one of the biggest challenges facing American families today.