Join us as we explore the transformative world of education with Elyse Marcellino, the director of Embark: New Schools for Mississippi.. Listen in as Elyse shares her work guiding ambitious individuals through the process of opening charter schools and microschools in Mississippi. She reveals how the challenges of COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for Embark's creation and highlights the importance of application support in tackling the high rejection rate of charter school proposals. We also unpack the emergence of microschools, a flexible and innovative educational model that has gained traction during the pandemic, and how these unique learning environments differ from traditional schooling

In our discussion, we shine a light on the increasing role of African-American mothers in founding microschools, inspired by a need for more suitable education options for their children and communities. The conversation pivots to the broader topic of school choice in Mississippi, underscoring the shift towards empowering parents to take the lead in their children's education. Elyse emphasizes how Embark serves as a beacon of support, offering guidance, resources, and financial assistance to those who dream of starting their own school. If you're intrigued by the future of education and the growing diversity in learning environments, this episode is an optimistic look at the educational landscape evolving in Mississippi, thanks to the passionate individuals driving change.

Show Notes:

Embark: New Schools for Mississippi

This week host Grant Callen sat down with Mississippi's 36th Secretary of State Michael Watson to talk about removing barriers to opportunity, especially those related to education and work. Sec. Watson has been a longtime advocate for school choice, so they discussed why he believes giving parents more options will help kids, schools, and ultimately our whole state. They discussed why access to work is so important to Mississippi families. Sec. Watson has been chopping away at regulations and administrative bloat through his "Tackle the Tape" initiative, which aims to review all 118,000 regulations in Mississippi's regulatory code and cut anything that is anticompetitive and that does not substantially further the safety and well-being of Mississippians.

Show Notes:

• Tackle the Tape Initiative
• Cutting the Regulatory Burden with Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, video by Foundation for Government Accountability.

This week, we're thrilled to have Arkansas State Senator Breanne Davis, the lead sponsor of the LEARNS Act, a transformative piece of legislation that has had a profound impact on the state's education system. Listen in as Senator Davis passionately discusses how the LEARNS Act has empowered families with education freedom accounts, allowing them to make the best educational choices for their children.

Don't miss our in-depth exploration of education reform in Arkansas and how this can inspire change in Mississippi. Senator Davis shares the phased approach taken in her state, from initially focusing on active military families to eventually including all students. She further highlights the comprehensive nature of this reform, with measures aimed at improving literacy, boosting teacher pay, and enhancing resources for public schools. We also explore why supporting and empowering teachers is crucial for the success of any education system. Tune in and be part of the conversation, as we strive for a Mississippi where everyone can rise.

Christina Dent, founder of End it For Good, shares her transformative journey as a conservative, evangelical Christian to a powerful advocate for ending drug prohibition. Christina's unique perspective emerged from her experiences as a foster parent, particularly her encounter with Joanne, a mother struggling with addiction. Her insights will compel you to rethink your beliefs on drug policy, pushing for a more empathetic approach to those dealing with addiction.

Join us as we further explore the failures of the criminal justice system in addressing drug use and addiction. We also touch on the need for a shift towards health-centered solutions, bringing to light the root causes of drug use, like childhood trauma and mental health issues. As we navigate this polarizing topic, we also debate the contentious notion that eliminating drug laws is akin to disregarding household rules for disobedient children.

We are back with another powerful episode of the Empower Podcast, featuring a riveting conversation with Ian Rowe, the dynamic author, scholar, and founder of a thriving charter school network. Rowe's inspiring book, 'Agency,' serves as the foundation of our conversation, as we delve into the concept of personal agency and its importance in achieving the American dream. Despite the challenges of overcoming narratives of victimhood, Rowe stands firm in his belief that individuals hold the power to shape their own destinies.

Our dialogue with Rowe takes us into uncharted territories, challenging conventional narratives around race, societal outcomes, and systemic racism. The focus is shifted towards personal agency, underscoring the significance of family, education, entrepreneurship, and the success sequence in breaking the chains of disadvantage. As we navigate these profound topics, we also touch upon the legislative barriers that obstruct progress and the courage required to confront these issues head-on. Get ready for a stimulating conversation that challenges perspectives, encourages self-empowerment and celebrates the power of agency.

This episode of the Empower Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Grant Callen, the founder and CEO of Empower Mississippi. Grant, a sixth-generation Mississippian, shares his mission to make Mississippi the best place in America to live, work, and raise a family.

In this episode, hosted by Wil Ervin, Empower SVP, we discuss the role of public policy, educational opportunities, criminal justice reform, and much more. From exploring the potential of Education Savings Accounts to diving into the importance of criminal justice reform, this conversation covers the transformative changes needed in our state.

If you're curious about how policy can impact our daily lives or are interested in the future of Mississippi, this episode is for you. Tune in for insights, solutions, and unforgettable moments from previous legislative sessions.

Welcome to the brand new show by Empower Mississippi!