Lauryn Debyah, a former McBride student now studying Pre-Civil Engineering at CSULB, shares insights about her experience with the ACE Mentor Program. The ACE Mentor Program is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry.

Superintendent Jill Baker, Ed.D., speaks with students Precious from Jordan High School and Teodor from Poly High School. They discuss their experiences in the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee, Raising Student Voices and Participation (RSVP). The purpose of RSVP is: Elevate student voice and student experience to inform school and district decision-making (Core Values).Provide a structure for two-way communication and co-design partnerships between adults and students (Systems Portrait).Provide a safe place for students to activate the leadership skills that they are learning and/or developing in alignment with the Graduate Portrait.Build relationships between adults and students where all voices are equal (Adult Portrait).

Jules Rodriguez, an 8th-grade Accelerated Science teacher and instructor of the multi-grade-level course Project Lead the Way at Nelson Academy, joins us to discuss her recent recognition as LBUSD’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. She shares her educational journey, highlighting how her past experiences have influenced her development into the dedicated educator she is today.

Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert shares his journey to becoming a city prosecutor, detailing the experiences and motivations that shaped his career. He highlights how his office and staff work with LBUSD to support district schools and related pathways. Additionally, he offers his advice for students interested in pursuing a career in law.

McBride Senior Chimnazaekpere and Browning Senior Kylee engage in an insightful conversation with Jarvis R. Givens, professor of Education & African and African American Studies at Harvard University. They explore the significance of researching, understanding, and teaching Black history to students in the Long Beach community and beyond, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge and cultural awareness in shaping a more inclusive future.

Cabrillo High School SACMAA (Specialized Academy of Computer Media, Arts & Animation) pathway counselor Joel Lovelace discusses the innovative approach to student engagement by incorporating music into teaching practices. He explains how this creative method helps capture students' attention and foster a more interactive learning environment.

Laurel Kruke, LBUSD's Energy & Sustainability Manager, discusses efforts to reduce the district's climate impacts and promote environmental stewardship to ensure a bright future for students and communities.

Maria Alvarez is the Program Director at Operation Jump Start. In this episode, Maria discusses Operation Jump Start's mission to help low-resourced, high-potential first-generation students get in, stay in, and graduate from a four-year college.