Every once in a while, there's a story that stops you in your tracks - a reminder of what's possible when someone refuses to let their circumstances define them. In this episode, host Kevin P. Chavous shares one of those stories with David Heiber, CEO and founder of Concentric. David's journey reads like something out of a movie: from serving time in prison to earning a doctorate, from being pushed out of the education system to helping over 70,000 students find their way back in. This isn't just a conversation about second chances—it's about what happens when someone decides to go against the tide, stop waiting for the system to fix itself, and build something that actually works for the kids who need it most.

Guest David Heiber - CEO and Founder of Concentric, educational entrepreneur, author, advocate

Key Moments [00:00] Prison-to-Doctorate Journey [07:00] The Judge Who Changed Everything [12:30] From Rejection to Reinvention [19:00] Founding Concentric [23:00] 500,000 Home Visits [27:00] Scaling to 20 States [32:00] The Future of Urban Education

Resources Mentioned

• Concentric — David's education company: https://concentriced.org

• Lincoln University — The HBCU that gave David his second chance: https://www.lincoln.edu

• New Schools Venture Fund — Early backer of Concentric: https://www.newschools.org

• Temple University — Where David studied Afrocentricity under Molefi Asante: https://www.temple.edu

Connect with David Heiber

• Company: https://concentriced.org

• Book: Available through major retailers; accessible follow-up Eccentricity coming soon

Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways

K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future.

Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home.

✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction

✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs

✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more

✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success

Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

🔗 Learn more about K12's career pathways:

https://go.k12.com/mps/national/podcast/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D11001665815673379801328021772854664479

🔗 Discover K12 Tutoring for personalized academic support:

https://tutoring.k12.com/?utm_source=k12&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=k12-podcast-tutoring-feb-25

Join the Conversation

Got thoughts on virtual learning and special education?

📢 Use #WIWTK to share your perspective.

📱 Follow us:

🔹 Twitter/X – https://x.com/wiwtkpodcast

🔹 Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast

🔹 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review—let's reshape the conversation around education.