Kankakee Valley REMC works hard to give back to their community in Starke County. Their new program, Junior Board of Directors, allows high school juniors to explore careers in their local community and understand how the economy of their home functions while volunteering and giving back. After the school year, they will receive a scholarship from KVREMC. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode

Art can be many things. Students in the Brushtrokes for Hope class learn how to make hope-filled, inspirational, positive art. The classes allow the students to emerge with an array of materials to find their own voice through artmaking and empowerment. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode Production Assistant - Solana Campbell

Indiana University South Bend, First Presbyterian Church and DTSB are hosting an African American History Bus Tour of South Bend. The tour makes multiple stops around South Bend highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the African American community. Conversation centers around landmarks, sacred spaces, and important buildings that are no longer standing to make history speak.

Sometimes learning a new skill benefits the student in more ways than one. Adaptive Arts extends lessons to learners of all abilities at the Kroc Center. Ukulele Ladies gather to learn how to make music together but do so in creating a sacred community greater than they imagined.

Next Step Learning is an organization that helps students succeed in English and literacy. The program allows in-person and virtual tutors to use sensory cognitive programs to strengthen comprehension and reading ability.

The South Bend Community School Corporation has introduced electric school buses to reduce emissions and encourage green vehicles. Students at Clay High School learn about the automotive industry and think about how hybrid and green vehicles can be applied to the technical skills they are learning. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode Production Assistant - Solana Campbell

The South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program that involves six core elements: Training Programs, Mentoring, one on one consulting, Community connection, Microcredit, Research and Tracking. The program coaches and empowers owners to evolve into more vibrant and resilient small businesses.

South Bend Riley High School’s CTE Food and Nutrition Partnership allows students to learn the logistics of running a kitchen. Students manage food, nutrition, regulations and meal prep for the food service industry.

...PechaKucha, which means “chit chat” in Japanese, is a storytelling platform that emphasizes creativity and community building. Participants get 20 seconds to discuss each slide of a powerpoint consisting of 20 slides. A global organization that has planted seeds in over 1000 cities, PechaKucha is the perfect space to learn the stories of neighbors and community members otherwise overlooked and hear these experiences through a myriad of lenses. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode Production Assistant - Solana Campbell

Warsaw’s Baker Youth Club prioritizes the education and social identity of the students it serves. A wide variety of programming including reading assessments and STEM-related activities help kids achieve goals that will allow them to grow and succeed. Baker Youth Club also allows college students interested in careers in education to volunteer and intern, creating interdisciplinary lesson-plans to engage kids in learning. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode

The Readiness Center in Benton Harbor is home to an innovative preschool and parent learning environment. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and their parents, the Readiness Center offers families a chance to learn the tools necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Parents come six hours a week for workshops on budgets, credit repair, home ownership, tenant rights and other empowering skills.

Kids and families get to explore interactive exhibits and science-based activities at Science Alive. The St. Joseph County Public Library hosted the 31st annual event and invited the community to see, touch and learn how science, creativity and curiosity come together in downtown South Bend.

River St. Joe, a Michigan-based farm-to-table restaurant in Buchanan, and Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles, have teamed up to promote women and girls pursuing careers in the sciences. Both organizations emphasize the importance of exposing girls at a young age to areas of STEM and encourage them to not be limited in what they want to do. Introducing girls to successful and empowering female role models is the first step. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode

Known for its opportunities for a “second chance,” the Discovery Academy in Berrien Springs is an alternative education high school for students who didn’t work well in traditional learning environments. Through unique programs such as Job Genius and Math Prisms (a virtual reality math class), students find themselves excelling in this go-at-your-own-pace environment. Segment Producer - Shanthini Ode

The Early Learning Center at Hubbard Hill in Elkhart will become an inter-generational learning center. The benefits of intergenerational programming for children is evident as they experience enhanced learning, social development, and changing perceptions of older adults. Older adults in residence experience physical, mental and emotional health benefits and enrichment. Mutual learning, mutual benefit.

HustleSBE is a program for Minority and Female business owners who have been in business at least one year. The educational program helps students focus on exploring new solutions for their customers, generate new ideas, and streamline business practices to create a solid foundation for continued growth and expansion.