Growing Up In America: The Way It Is
Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.Each episode, we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas with experts on the quality of life for our children.
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HISD Updates, Legal Protections for Immigrant Children & Measles Outbreaks
<p>On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Santrice Jones-Hare, Chief Impact Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, discuss:</p>Back-to-School in HISD: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down the biggest changes families can expect for the 2026–27 school year, from controversial special education reforms to Mike Mile's Future 2 schools.Immigration Updates: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explains the impact of recent federal funding changes that have left more than 25,000 unaccompanied immigrant children vulnerable to losing legal representation.Measles Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at UTHealth Houston, discusses th...
ICE Protests, Trump Accounts & Child Care Scholarships
<p>On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host </p><p>Dr. Chris Kulesza aka Dr. Data discuss:</p>ICE Protests: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explains the legal rights of peaceful protesters, how communities are supporting immigrant families, and how to distinguish verified information from rumors during times of heightened immigration enforcement."Trump Accounts": Elizabeth Colvin, Executive Director of RAISE Texas, breaks down the new child savings accounts created under the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill."Leading on Early Childhood Education: State Representative Armando Walle discusses why early...
Texas State Takeovers, Midterm Elections, Online Safety for Kids and Teens
<p>On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, discuss:</p>More Texas State Takeovers: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter for the Houston Chronicle, breaks down the latest developments at Spring ISD, the scrutiny surrounding Dekaney High School, Texas' accountability ratings, and what a potential state takeover could mean for students, educators, and families.Midterm Elections: Jason Sabo, Founder of Frontera Strategy, shares insights on the upcoming midterm elections, the issues shaping voter turnout in Texas, key races to watch, and the broader political landscape.Online Safety for Kids & Teens: Dr...
Fatal ICE Shootings, HISD's Special Education Overhaul and AI's Evolution in the Classroom
<p>On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, and co-host Luis Negreros, Chief Financial Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into:</p>HISD Updates: Claire Partain, Houston ISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest on special education, the New Education System (NES), and recent STAAR results.Fatal ICE Shootings: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, examines the legal and policy questions surrounding recent ICE shootings and immigration enforcement.AI & Education: Miguel Guhlin, Director of Professional Development at the Texas Computer Education Association, shares how AI is changing classrooms and...
HISD's Controversial Curriculum, Youth Leadership & FIFA, Gen Z Panel on Voting
<p>On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, discuss education, youth leadership, and civic engagement.</p>HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, explains HISD's adoption of the Bluebonnet curriculum, budget challenges, and what families should know heading into the new school year.Youth Leadership Through Community: Mark Martin of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston discusses how FIFA World Cup and America250 programming are helping young people develop leadership skills, build community, and engage in civic life...
Make America Healthy Again Agenda, Rothko Chapel, DACA Anniversary
<p>On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, explore the intersection of public health, social justice, and immigration policy.</p>Understanding MAHA Policy: Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," breaks down the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, discussing child nutrition, school meals, SNAP policy, food access, and the challenges of improving children's health outcomes.Art, Faith & Human Rights: Kelly Johnson, Chief Engagement Officer at the Rothko Chapel, discusses how art, spirituality, and social justice intersect to foster dialogue, community, and civic engagement...
Human Trafficking and the World Cup, Immigrant Children & STAAR Testing Results from HISD
<p>On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Abbi Antoun, Development Intern at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into some key issues impacting children and families across Texas.</p>HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down HISD's new Kinder Bridge program, early literacy initiatives, and what the latest STAAR results reveal about student learning across the district.Human Trafficking & the World Cup: Dr. Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez of UT Health discusses human trafficking as a public health issue, who is most vulnerable, and what communities should know as Houston prepares to host World Cup events.Immigrant Children...
HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks
<p>On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," explore key issues affecting students, families, and public health in Texas.</p><p>HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest STAAR results, the state takeover of HISD, enrollment trends, and changes to universal free meal programs.</p><p>The Learning Recession: Dr. Cathy Horn, Dean of the University of Houston College of Education, examines declining student achievement, the future of assessments, and challenges facing higher education.</p><p>Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Professor of Pediatric Infectious...
The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities
<p>On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore key issues impacting children, families, and communities across Houston and Texas.</p><p>Community Well-Being & Belonging: Stephen Ives, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, joins the show to discuss children's physical fitness, the impact of screen time and mental health challenges and why fostering connection and belonging is critical for healthy communities.</p><p>Educational Leadership in HISD: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles reflects on three years leading the district, discusses student achievement and his vision for the future...
HISD Under Dept, of Ed Investigation, Gen Z Offline, SNAP & Hunger in Texas
<p>On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, tackle some of the biggest issues affecting children and families.</p><p>HISD Under Dept. of Ed Civil Rights Investigation: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, joins the show to discuss the latest developments in Houston Independent School District, including the federal civil rights investigation into special education changes.</p><p>Gen Z Offline: Lucy Lusk, Media Activism Intern (CHILDREN AT RISK) shares why more members of Gen Z are intentionally unplugging from screens and embracing offline hobbies, analog...
