Podcast
Education Conversations
Hosted by Education Foundation of Sarasota County · ENGLISH
Our world is changing rapidly—and so is education. In this podcast, we’re exploring these changes and how we can best meet the needs of students to help them thrive. Hosted by Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Education Conversations brings together teachers, students, community stakeholders, and thought leaders to explore and share innovative and relevant thoughts, research, and ideas on education today.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S3E15 Inside the 2026 Session: What's Ahead for Sarasota County Schools and Students
1w ago00:26:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Education Conversations, Jennifer Vigne sits down with Sarasota County Schools’ Supervisor of Government Affairs, Chris Parenteau, to unpack the 2026 legislative session and what it means for local students, families, and public education. From school funding and scholarship accountability to long-term sustainability and innovation, this timely conversation offers valuable insight into the future of education in Sarasota County.
Transcribe →S1E4 Future-Ready: Student Voices - Pathways After High School: The Road to Here
3w ago00:20:37Tap to summarizeIn the final episode of their inaugural season, students tackle the questions many high schoolers face as they prepare for life after graduation. Guided by Jake, Aaron, Debbie, and Nate share candid reflections on what shaped their paths. From test prep and resumes to extracurriculars and finding support, as they prepare to graduate, they share their experiences on how they got to this point. They even open up about the highs and lows of their own test scores and offer honest advice on how to stay grounded and not let the pressure take over.
Transcribe →S3E14 More Than a Ticket: A Bright Future for Students Through Florida Lottery Scholarships
Apr 1400:28:10Tap to summarizeJennifer sheds some light on the scope of scholarships offered through the Florida Lottery. Joined by the Florida Lottery Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Shaqueria Myrick and Education Foundation Student Success Coach, Diana Berris, they talk about who’s eligible, important deadlines, and the application process.
Transcribe →S1E3 Future-Ready: Student Voices - Pathways After High School - State Colleges and Workforce Training
Mar 3100:25:14Tap to summarizeFuture-Ready: Student Voices highlights authentic student experiences and expert advice to help Sarasota County Schools students make informed, confident decisions about their futures. In this episode, Riverview High student Nate Grandusky leads a thoughtful conversation with State College of Florida student Paul Whiteside and CareerSource Suncoast President and CEO Josh Matlock. Together, they explore the many pathways available beyond graduation including state colleges, technical education, skilled trades, and direct entry into the workforce, while sharing personal insights and real-world perspectives on building a successful future.
Transcribe →Inside Florida’s School Boards: Leadership in a Time of Change
Mar 1700:28:04Tap to summarizeDuring a time of pivotal changes in education, Jennifer is joined by CEO of Florida School Boards Association, Andrea Messina, to discuss the role of school boards today and programs offered by the Association to provide insights and training.
Transcribe →S1E2 Future-Ready: Student Voices Pathways After High School - 4-Year Colleges and Universities
Mar 300:24:25Tap to summarizeJoin Aaron Nielsen for the second episode of our student-produced podcast series where students explore a variety of options after high school. Aaron talks peer-to-peer with a student attending Auburn and another at Columbia, to learn how they landed at these universities, how they’ve grown in their first year, advice on how to stand out among the applicants, and what they plan to do next. In addition, Aaron gets a different perspective from Student Success Coach, Diane Berris, who discusses what colleges are looking for in applicants today, and what it takes for students to successfully apply.
Transcribe →S3E12 The First Five Years: Why Early Childhood is Everyone's Business
Feb 1700:30:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jennifer Vigne speakes with Makayla Buchanan, Chief of Staff at the Children’s Movement of Florida, to explore the data and research behind early learning and how the first five years can shape a child’s path to academic success and graduation.
Transcribe →S1E1 Future-Ready: Student Voices Pathways after High School - Military
Feb 300:17:16Tap to summarizeJoin Debbie B in our first student-produced podcast series where students explore a variety of options after high school. Debbie talks with Marine Corps Recruiter, Staff Sargeant Jayvon Rivera about his own journey into the Marines. They also explore different branches of the military and he shares some personal and professional benefits of joining the service, if someone decides that’s the path for them.
Transcribe →S3E11 More Than Degrees: The Economic Value of Florida’s College System
Jan 2000:23:34Tap to summarizeJoin Jennifer in this eye-opening follow up with Helios Education Foundation’s Kimberly Lent Morales. They discuss the findings from a recent study conducted to assess the real economic value of state colleges.
Transcribe →S3E10 Why Results Matter. Where Nonprofits Get it Right, Wrong, and Everything in Between
Jan 600:27:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jennifer talks with Robyn Faucy, CEO and owner of Results 1st, an organization that guides nonprofits, foundations, and other organizations to achieve greater success through proven tools and methods. Together, they explore where nonprofits are succeeding, and where they can improve.
Transcribe →