Our Community in Action

We are full of profound gratitude as we turn our spotlight toward one of our own, Jessica Lander. At a time when the landscape of education is shifting rapidly, we find ourselves looking back at the alumni who have not only shaped who we are but have gone on to pave expansive, inclusive new paths for the next generation. Jessica’s journey from a Citizen Schools classroom to becoming a celebrated author, educator, and advocate is a testament to the enduring power of our community. We are incredibly honored to share her insights this month, as she reminds us that the seeds of leadership planted years ago can grow into a forest of systemic change.

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We are thrilled to shine our Expert Spotlight this month on Liza Littenberg-Tobias, a recognized leader in the field of innovative education and the Assistant Director of Experiential Partnerships at Northeastern University. Liza leads a pivotal team tasked with designing virtual, real-world learning experiences that effectively bridge classroom theory with professional practice. Her work is central to advancing Northeastern’s reputation as a thought leader in experiential education, as she recruits industry partners to develop authentic project opportunities that benefit students, faculty, and sponsors alike. Liza’s profound expertise lies in tailoring Experiential Learning (EL) to meet the specific needs of diverse learners, from middle school students to graduate candidates, ensuring that every student receives the crucial, hands-on exposure necessary to shape their future careers and broaden their imaginations.

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We're thrilled to feature an esteemed alumni, Dr. Jaynemarie Enyonam Angbah a true champion for educational equity with an inspiring 20-year career dedicated to transforming outcomes for marginalized youth. Jaynemarie is a visionary force, proven in leading organizational change and creating innovative programs. With a deep commitment to the intersection of research and practice, she specializes in strengthening operational systems and program quality. Get ready to learn from an influential leader who firmly believes that being an educator is not just a passion, it's a calling!

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We're featuring one of our very own, an inspiring alumnus who has taken the lessons of play and applied them in a big way. We’re thrilled to spotlight Max Fripp, who is making waves with his work at Playworks, an organization dedicated to creating joyful and safe school environments through the power of play. In this feature, you'll learn how Max is helping schools reclaim instructional time and reduce conflict, all by transforming recess into a truly positive experience. Read on to discover how he’s building a new program and learn why putting joy and play at the center of a child's day is more critical than ever. 

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We are incredibly excited to shine a light on Jason Cascarino, a veteran executive in the social sector, particularly within the education and youth-serving spaces and a Citizen Schools alum. For over twenty-five years, Jason has consistently driven impact through leadership roles in prominent philanthropies and nonprofits across Washington D.C., Boston, and Chicago. For the past eight years, he has served as a highly sought-after strategic advisor and consultant, guiding numerous local and national organizations in crucial areas such as business strategy, program design, financial modeling, and impact measurement. His executive experience includes serving as CEO of Spark Program, which tripled the number of students served across five school systems during his tenure, and as COO of The Chicago Public Education Fund, where he led a partnership with Chicago Public Schools to develop its first-ever comprehensive human capital strategy. Jason's wide-ranging work leading and strengthening education and youth-serving organizations gives him a valuable lens in this space, and we can't wait for you to hear some of his insights.

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We are thrilled to feature Dr. Rudy Ruiz, a true visionary and the driving force behind Edifying Teachers. As the founder and CEO of this groundbreaking organization, and a distinguished member of the Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC) national coalition, Dr. Ruiz has dedicated his career to rehumanizing education through the power of connection. His celebrated background as a teacher and school leader, coupled with his doctoral research from Johns Hopkins University, has led him to create an evidence-based solution for supporting and retaining educators nationwide. We are incredibly excited to share how Dr. Ruiz's work with Edifying Teachers is forging a global network of diverse teacher mentors, addressing critical teacher shortages, and truly transforming the educational landscape for the better.

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We hear from Julie Rogers Bascom, the Director of Learning & Leadership at the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). Julie is a service-learning leader from Minneapolis, MN, with over 25 years of experience supporting youth workers, teachers, and young people in using service-learning to solve community problems. Her passion for helping young people become problem solvers was sparked by her own children's school experience, where every student engaged in service-learning annually. This aligns with NYLC’s mission to equip young people with knowledge, skills, and confidence to co-create a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. NYLC's vision is a world where every young person engages in social action and is recognized as essential to civic society. Julie's work directly contributes to empowering young people and promoting service-learning as a strategy for leadership and community impact. We hope this edition sparks your own curiosity about what service-learning could look like in your community! 

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We had the pleasure of sitting down with Marcie Curry, the Chief Program Officer at Grace Place for Children and Families in Naples, Florida. Grace Place operates with the powerful mission of empowering families to build a more prosperous future through education. We explored her understanding of Experiential Learning as practical and real-world focused, emphasizing its vital role in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Marcie also shares her thoughts on the necessity of a paradigm shift in educator training to better equip teachers to create these meaningful learning experiences for students. Drawing from her own experiences she highlights the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and focusing on the learning process. We are grateful to have Marcie as a member of our Learning Network and are excited to share her story and amplify the important work underway at Grace Place. 

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We're thrilled to introduce you to Toccara Huckaby, a powerhouse educator and entrepreneur whose dedication to empowering young minds shines brightly. From her early days as an award-winning teacher, where she earned the title of Middle School Teacher of the Year, to her leadership roles in afterschool programs and her entrepreneurial ventures, Toccara's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. Her commitment to fostering excellence, coupled with her passion for creating nurturing and empowering environments, has driven her to develop impactful programs and initiatives that truly make a difference.

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We had the pleasure to sit down with Dr. Adrian K. Haugabrook, a true innovator in the field of education. Dr. Haugabrook is a Citizen Schools alumni where he served as a member of the Founding Leadership Team as Director of Citizen Schools University then Executive Director of Public Policy, Alliances, and Innovation. He has dedicated over three decades to influencing access, equity, and opportunity, and his passion for transforming education remains as strong as ever.

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We sat down with an amazing member of our Learning Network community, Dr. Liz Whitewolf. Dr. Whitewolf, the Founding Director of eduFAB, is an innovator in the field of education who is passionate about incorporating experiential learning and Making into the classroom. Citizen Schools had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Whitewolf during her time as the Senior Director of STEM Education at the Carnegie Science Center. She was instrumental in developing the Fab Learning Academy provided professional development for international educators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to integrate Making and experiential learning into their teaching practices.

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Today we are reposting our conversation with Joe Rosenbaum. In this interview, Joe takes us on a journey through the transformative influence of AI on Experiential Learning, sharing insights on making education relevant for students, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.

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This month we want to highlight one of our Learning Network members, Constanza Azzolina. We have had the good fortune of being connected to her through her incredible dedication to STEM education in Latin America. Constanza’s passion for this work is truly contagious and we are thrilled to have you hear from her. 

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Today, we are rereleasing our interview with Dr. Charles Carter. Embarking on a mission to reshape the landscape of education, Dr. Charles Carter emerges as a stalwart champion for social and economic justice, channeling over two decades of commitment into uplifting Black and Brown communities. With a career deeply rooted in addressing the challenges faced by children and families with limited resources, Dr. Carter intertwines curiosity, humility, passion, and humor to catalyze meaningful change. Upon interviewing him for this edition of the Expert Spotlight series, we can certainly attest to that. 

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This year, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary under the theme 30 Years of Learning Together, we are proud to spotlight one of our inspiring volunteers, Terry Lewis.

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As students across the country head back to school this fall, we’re reminded that learning is most powerful when communities come together. At Citizen Schools, our mission is made possible through the dedication of educators, families, and community partners like Google—whose employees, like Lucy Vasserman, bring real-world expertise into classrooms.

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At Citizen Schools, AmeriCorps Fellows aren’t just serving—they’re leading. They are mentors, builders, and changemakers who show up every day with empathy, innovation, and bold purpose.

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