In this episode of Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick (Executive Director, Rapid City Public School Foundation) and Bobbi Schaefbauer (Community Relations Manager, Rapid City Area Schools) sit down with Kristen Kiner, Youth Engagement Coordinator for Rapid City Area Schools.

Kristen shares her journey into youth engagement, the importance of amplifying student voices, and how programs like the Student School Board, Youth Task Force, and Take Action theatre group are giving young people the chance to lead, create solutions, and make lasting change in the community. From short films that spark conversations to student-led advocacy for housing insecurity, Kristen highlights the power of authentic youth involvement.

The conversation also touches on the challenges students face after COVID, including social anxiety and communication shifts, and how caring adults can play a transformative role in young people’s lives. As always, Sara and Bobbi wrap up the episode with fun, rapid-fire questions about favorite teachers, recess memories, and why Kristen believes so deeply in public education.

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