Join Aaron Nielsen for the second episode of our student-produced podcast series where students explore a variety of options after high school. Aaron talks peer-to-peer with a student attending Auburn and another at Columbia, to learn how they landed at these universities, how they’ve grown in their first year, advice on how to stand out among the applicants, and what they plan to do next. In addition, Aaron gets a different perspective from Student Success Coach, Diane Berris, who discusses what colleges are looking for in applicants today, and what it takes for students to successfully apply.

In this episode, Jennifer Vigne speakes with Makayla Buchanan, Chief of Staff at the Children’s Movement of Florida, to explore the data and research behind early learning and how the first five years can shape a child’s path to academic success and graduation.

Join Debbie B in our first student-produced podcast series where students explore a variety of options after high school. Debbie talks with Marine Corps Recruiter, Staff Sargeant Jayvon Rivera about his own journey into the Marines. They also explore different branches of the military and he shares some personal and professional benefits of joining the service, if someone decides that’s the path for them.

Join Jennifer in this eye-opening follow up with Helios Education Foundation’s Kimberly Lent Morales. They discuss the findings from a recent study conducted to assess the real economic value of state colleges.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Robyn Faucy, CEO and owner of Results 1st, an organization that guides nonprofits, foundations, and other organizations to achieve greater success through proven tools and methods. Together, they explore where nonprofits are succeeding, and where they can improve.

We’re excited to introduce the 2026 Sarasota County Teachers of the Year! Jennifer talks with the three finalists about their teaching methods, their students, and what it means to them to represent their schools as Teacher of the Year. Our thanks to Sunset Automotive Group for sponsoring this episode.

Sarasota County Schools Chief of Strategic Innovation, Dr. Brandon Johnson, joins Jennifer in a timely conversation about how our public schools are transforming models and policy to meet the needs of students today…and tomorrow.

Jennifer is joined by State College of Florida’s Director for College Readiness and Early College Programs, Raul Lorenzo. As a first-generation student, he has a deep understanding of some of the challenges his own students and their families face today when navigating life beyond high school.

Join Jennifer and entrepreneurs Andrew Grossman and Chef G to learn more about how they’re connecting kids and healthy cooking in their innovative after school programs at Booker Middle and High Schools.

Jennifer is joined by Dr. Kimberly Krupa, network development and engagement consultant for Florida College Access Network (FCAN.) They touch on topics such as the role of local college access networks in preparing students for life beyond high school, FASFA, and Talent Strong Sarasota, a new campaign spearheaded by FCAN which is now being adopted at the local level. Thank you to Miter Brands, our sponsor for this podcast episode.