Make the Leap

Can education truly be a vehicle for social change and equity? Join us on "Make the Leap" as we explore this compelling question with Ronnese McKinney, a fervent advocate for student success and social mobility. Ronnese shares her personal journey and stresses the vital need to view education as a public good, not just a commodity. We'll discuss the historical context of the GI Bil

Can unequal access to technology create insurmountable barriers for low-income students, further widening the socioeconomic divide? Join hosts Brad Constant and George Grayeb on Make the Leap as we tackle this pressing issue head-on. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of the digital divide on low-income students, particularly in online and hybrid learning environments.

Can financial stress and limited resources turn homes into battlegrounds for those already struggling to make ends meet? Listen as we unravel the complex web linking poverty, domestic violence, and health. We spotlight the heightened risks faced by women in disadvantaged groups and dissect how economic disparities in relationships can be weaponized by abusers. Kristen Beal, our ins

Have you ever considered the silent struggles of America's foster children, hidden in plain sight until a dire headline seizes our attention? Together with our passionate guest, Kristen Beal, who has tirelessly worked with juvenile offenders and advocated for child victims, we peel back the layers of the foster care system to reveal the intricate challenges faced by nearly 400,000

Host George Grayeb is joined by Rochelle Hoskins to discuss Rochelle's journey to becoming a Medical Assistant, career path after graduation, passion for student success, and desire to help people find the resources they need to succeed.We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Faceboo

Host George Grayeb is joined by Randy Wassink, a co-leader at Keystone Community Church in Ada, MI. The pair discuss the intersection of religion, education and poverty.We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Host George Grayeb is joined by Danielle Millman, President at Otter Learning, to discuss the importance of education in overcoming poverty and the education obstacles that impede social mobility.We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Ross' George Grayeb is joined by Kathy Lueckeman, a higher education professional, Salesforce MVP, and experienced leader in closing the digital divide. The pair discuss multiple aspects and obstacles faced by students lacking digital resources.<We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.

One in eight low-income students earns a degree or professional certification. Why is being poor an impediment to getting the education that gets you out of poverty?Join host George Grayeb and guest Micaela Alpers, Chief Business Officer at Career EDGE, as they discuss poverty, education and the struggle the poor have with getting the education they deserve.We’d love to hear from

Ross' George Grayeb chats with Tom Netting, an experienced public policy advisor working in higher education legislative and regulatory affairs. The pair discuss student loans, the value of college and options for reform.We’d love to hear from! Send us a message or topic idea.Stay up to date on Make the Leap by following us on our website, rosspodcast.com, Facebook and LinkedIn.