Get ready! It’s time to get some deeper insights about the role of youth voice in our schools and the community from our expert guest for this episode. We sit down with homeless youth advocate Allyson Baptiste from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office to discuss the importance of championing student voices in schools and community agency programs.  Like us, she is passionate about lifting up youth voices as an instrument of change, but how can schools and agencies ensure that the voices of all students are heard? What does authentic student voice mean?  What does it sound like?

Allyson provides insight to research around the positive impact of youth voice on student learning and program improvement.  She also shares examples, ideas, and resources to help you inject youth voice into your schools, programs, and equity work. Listen to get all your questions answered!

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Visit the KCSOS Student Voice Website at kern.org/hip

Additional Resources:

• Fernandez, Maria-Paz, Sy Doan, and Elizabeth D. Steiner, Use, Capture, and Value of Student Voice in Schools: Findings from the 2021 Learn Together Surveys. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2021. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA827-4.html
• Mitra, Dana and Steven Jay Gross. “Increasing Student Voice in High School Reform.” Educational Management Administration & Leadership 37 (2009): 522 - 543. 

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

It’s time to roll out the red carpet for our special guest, Melie. She's here to share her journey through homelessness during the Pandemic and how she became a full-time college student who is now bringing a voice to the experience of homeless youth in our community.

Melie’s courageous story shines a light on the often-invisible realities of homeless youth for our listeners. She is a tremendous example of strength, resiliency, and hope.  In fact, the day of the podcast recording marked the 3rd anniversary of her losing her permanent housing.  Listen to her full-circle story! 

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

Hey everyone and welcome to our podcast!   In this first episode, we want you to get to know us by listening to our own personal stories and our "Why" for this new podcast series.   We will also share what we mean by youth voice, why it is important, and what you can expect during this first season when we give youth the mic to share their personal stories.

Find helpful resources mentioned in this podcast episode.

Connect with Youth Voice Amplified

• Youth Voice Amplified Podcast
• Instagram – @youthvoiceamplifiedpodcast
• Youth Voice Amplified on Facebook 

If you would like to ask us a question, recommend a topic, or suggest a guest, please email us at [email protected].

Credits:

Producers: Brian Johnson, Gennessa Fisher, Kim Silva, and Allyson Baptiste
Production Partners: Kern Education Television Network, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and Liam Silva
Theme Song: “Beatitude” by Mountaineer 

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!

Every youth has a story to tell. Are you ready to listen?  Check out our trailer!  

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Text us and share your take!