Hirsch Academy Leading the Way for Arizona’s Growing ELL Population

In a typical Arizona elementary school, one out of every ten children speaks Spanish at home. Without parents speaking English it’s often difficult for a child to succeed, but ASU Cronkite student reporter Kassidy McDonald found one charter school is leading the way for Arizona’s growing Hispanic population…

For full audio version click here 

Advertisement

Phoenix suicide awareness group going viral thanks to social media focus

Listen to full audio version of my KTAR-FM radio story here

PHOENIX — A Phoenix organization working to raise suicide awareness and start a conversation surrounding the stigma associated with mental health is going viral in the process.

The Commit Campaign is gaining online fame with its social media-led, photo-based campaign aimed at breaking the stigma associated with mental health, mental illness and suicide. Read full story online here. 

 

 

 

Joy Bus Diner: Phoenix nonprofit opens restaurant to support patients battling cancer

Listen to full audio version of my KTAR-FM radio story here

PHOENIX — In Arizona, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, according to Arizona’s Department of Health Services. However, with continued medical advancements and non-profit organizations that are advocating for those battling cancer, the survival rates are starting to increase…..For full article, click here

After school program teaches kids how to skateboard

“Skate after School” at Larry C. Kennedy school in Phoenix teaches intrepid students how to skateboard. Program directors say it’s important for the kids to have something to do when class is out.

Local elementary school teaches mindfulness to improve mental health of students

David Crockett Elementary School is helping to combat Arizona’s high rates of mental health issues by teaching students mindfulness techniques. Instructors say mindfulness teaches students how to deal with their emotions in a productive way.

Brophy Prep hosts fundraiser to help those deported to Sonora, Mexico

Brophy College Preparatory and Kino Border Initiatives host a fundraiser for individuals deported to Sonora, Mexico. The fundraiser ultimately raised $150,000.

Arizona group supports upcoming female coders

A group of female coders meet once a week at a Valley bookstore to create community and provide tutoring to one another. Currently, 73% of the coding field is composed of men.

ASU program integrates engineering and Navajo culture

Students at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic School have created a program designed to integrate engineering skills with traditional Navajo culture. Part of their program aims to encourage middle school Navajo students to take an interest in engineering.

Solar Spell digital libraries bring education to third world countries

A team from ASU’s Polytechnic campus works on building digital learning libraries that work without an internet connection. Solar Spell libraries are already in places such as Vanuatu, Samoa, Micronesia and Tonga.

NAU a cappella teams to compete in international championship

Northern Arizona University will send four teams to the International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella this year. The groups credit their originality and group-dynamic for their season success.