Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: episode 15

  • Education Insight: California’s Effort to Teach Soft Skills to Middle Schoolers

    Education Insight: California’s Effort to Teach Soft Skills to Middle Schoolers

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 15.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Jacqui Dobens, founder of Much More Than Mentorship and Prep Team Director for The Amazing Shake, a competition held at San Gorgonio Middle School in Beaumont, CA. The Amazing Shake is an intense two-day event where middle school students compete in various soft skills challenges, such as giving a firm handshake, diffusing angry customers, interviewing for a job, and navigating social situations gracefully.

    Jacqui explains how the competition aims to teach kids essential life skills beyond academics, focusing on qualities like public speaking, empathy, and emotional intelligence. With an impressive roster of mentors, from retired fire chiefs to etiquette experts, the program offers students unique opportunities to learn from professionals in a hands-on setting. Jacqui also shares stories of students who have gone from nervous to natural in just a few sessions, showing the transformative impact of these exercises.

    Tune in to hear Jacqui’s insights on how The Amazing Shake is reshaping education and mentorship, preparing students for real-world success. You’ll also learn how schools across Southern California can get involved in this powerful program that’s helping students build the confidence and skills they need for the future.

    Featured Guest

    Jacqui Dobens
    Founder, Much More Than Mentorship and Prep Team for The Amazing Shake, San Gorgonio Middle School
    Jacqui Dobens is the founder and head cheerleader of Much More Than Mentorship. Living up to its name, they have a robust staff of presenters and mentors spanning various industries and interests. A few of the presenters on the roster include a newly retired math professor (city and state), LMFT, forensic scientist, and even an improv instructor. Their programs are tailor-made using their mainstay of modules as a launching pad for customization. Programs include etiquette, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and much more.
    Dobens has taken her years of experience in marketing, networking, generating revenue, and holding leadership positions in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors to toggle seamlessly in this project. Her networking skills are at the forefront by way of collaboration with various entities to make this project a success.
    Her ability to adapt and pivot enabled her to recognize the benefits of The Amazing Shake through her relationship with San Gorgonio Middle School and the Beaumont Unified School District. Being such an instrumental component of the national durable life skills competition of The Amazing Shake has proven to be life-changing. Not only for the students, but for Dobens herself. To date,  She has been asked to fulfill the role as a project manager to bring The Amazing Shake program to life for other schools in surrounding cities and districts. This opportunity will provide a tremendous positive impact to students and communities that will last for decades to come.
    When Dobens is not cooking up a new module or thinking up ways to implement creative and fun ways to bring durable life skills to life with the students, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up new and daring culinary concoctions and sharing them with family and friends.

    Watch the Episode

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • Education Insight: How Athletics Are Enhancing Student Success in the Inland Empire

    Education Insight: How Athletics Are Enhancing Student Success in the Inland Empire

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 15.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into the crucial role athletics plays in shaping the academic success of high school students in the Inland Empire. The Commissioner of Athletics for the CIF Southern Section shares insights into how the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has evolved over the years to prioritize both academic and athletic excellence for student-athletes.

    From the changes in GPA requirements to the emphasis on “building the whole athlete,” this episode highlights how CIF has played a significant role in transforming the academic landscape for high school athletes. The conversation explores the ways in which coaches, schools, and communities collaborate to support students in balancing the demands of academics and athletics.

    We also discuss the positive impact of academic support programs, how student-athletes are being recognized for their achievements both on and off the field, and how these efforts contribute to their success in college admissions and beyond. Join us for an in-depth look at how regional high school athletes are excelling academically, and how the increased focus on mental health and wellness is further supporting their success. This episode offers valuable insights into how high school sports are helping students thrive in both their academic and athletic pursuits.

    Featured Guest

    Mike West
    Commissioner of Athletics, CIF Southern Section

    Mike West began his career in education as an Athletic Trainer at Ayala High School in 1994. He earned his teaching credential and taught World History, PE, and ROP Sports Medicine a few years after. In 2000, he was hired to open Chino Hills High School as its first Athletic Director. In 2007, he became an administrator in the Jurupa Unified School District serving as Assistant Principal at Patriot High School, Principal at The Learning Center, and Principal at Jurupa Valley High School. He became the Principal at Martin Luther King High School in the Riverside Unified School District in the fall of 2015. In 2023, West was hired and currently serves as the Commissioner of Athletics for the CIF Southern Section.

    West is a Past President of the California Athletic Trainers Association and currently serves as a member of the State CIF Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. He lives in Riverside along with his wife Rhonda and has three children, Kevin, Brian, and Michelle.

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.