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Keeping Youth at the Center in Thriving Minds After School

By Lindsey Holzmeister

During the 80 percent of waking hours youth spend outside of school, after school programs keep up the momentum of learning. Creative exploration, academic support, and nourishment should continue after the school day – and for youth in Thriving Minds After School, they do. At the core of Thriving Minds After School is a focus on

Youth at the Center: Building Trust and Being Available

By Lindsey Holzmeister

The transition into adulthood includes countless “firsts” – a first resume, first job, first college experience, first time moving out, first chance to pursue a passion. Navigating those firsts can have many moving parts, like staying connected to a community and finding the right resources when they’re needed. Vincent Coronado wears a hat for each

In The Fellowship Initiative, Mental Health Education is College Prep

By Lindsey Holzmeister

For Sean Walker, his family’s openness about mental health was a resource for navigating life in college. His parents, who had experience in school counseling and social work, were consistent in discussing mental health at home. Later, he would later realize that wasn’t typical for all families. “My dad has always meditated and emphasized how

Big Thought Institute is Creating Great Learning Experiences

By Lindsey Holzmeister

The innovation caught national attention – and it began with field trips.  Dallas is a hub for arts and culture, but for years these experiences weren’t accessible to all elementary school students. Due to budget constraints, less than 30% of elementary age students in the Dallas Independent School District were going on field trips, and

It’s Time to Work Together to Defend SEL

By Lindsey Holzmeister

Our organization, Big Thought, was hosting a showcase created this past spring break by an amazing group of teenage young creators. The program, Artivism, invites youth to tap into that powerful element that has forged the entire nation’s sense of propriety and purpose–youth voice. Tell stories that move people to action. As I sat in the audience listening