The Power of Community: A Conversation with CS Alum Jason Cascarino
We're thrilled to reconnect this month with Jason Cascarino, a distinguished leader in the social sector and a proud alumnus of our organization. Jason's impressive twenty-five-year career has spanned prominent roles in philanthropies and nonprofits across Washington D.C., Boston, and Chicago. Currently a sought-after strategic advisor, he leverages his extensive experience, including CEO leadership at Spark Program and COO at The Chicago Public Education Fund, to guide organizations in critical areas like strategy, program design, and impact measurement. Jason's journey and insights underscore a fundamental principle we hold dear: the enduring Power of Community.
Jason's perspective on experience based learning (EBL) resonates deeply with the lasting impact of community. He views true learning as going beyond traditional academics, emphasizing co-creation between teachers and students, with educators acting as facilitators. For Jason, EBL means bringing real-world experiences into the classroom, allowing students to actively engage with concepts, apply them, and learn through iteration. He points out the decline in student engagement, particularly in middle school, and believes that the inherent power of experiential learning lies in its ability to re-ignite this engagement. Just as students are drawn to school for a specific engaging activity, Jason envisions a future where this "hook" is pervasive, leading to greater learning, achievement, and overall happiness – all fostered within a supportive and connected community.
When considering the future of learning, Jason emphasizes three key areas, each intrinsically linked to the strength of our collective efforts. First, he highlights the critical role of talent within schools and youth programs. He believes that highly capable and engaged adults are the cornerstone of effective learning experiences. Second, Jason stresses the importance of intentional focus on transition points in a child's educational journey, such as the move to middle and high school, where many students can lose their way without adequate support and connection. Finally, he advocates for aligning education with human development, recognizing that tailoring learning environments to the developmental stage and needs of young people fosters greater engagement, inclusion, and a sense of ownership – all nurtured within a responsive community.
“I think the special power of experiential learning is in its potential to boost engagement across the board, and with that, I think greater learning, greater achievement, and even greater happiness comes.”
Jason's direct experiences with organizations like Citizen Schools and Spark, both centered around experiential learning through apprenticeships and mentorship, vividly illustrate the mobilizing power of community. He also shared his current involvement with the Oak Park Education Foundation, which focuses on delivering experiential programming within the local community rather than direct funding. His work emphasizes that the success of such initiatives hinges not just on the programs themselves, but on the strength and capacity of the organizations and individuals driving them. This highlights the crucial role of a connected and invested community in ensuring the effective delivery and sustainability of impactful learning opportunities.
Jason's journey as an alum underscores the enduring significance of the Power of Community. His insights into experiential learning, the future of education, and the impact of mentors all point to the vital role of connection, support, and shared purpose in fostering growth and driving positive change. As we celebrate Jason's accomplishments, we are reminded that our organization's strength lies not only in its programs but in the lasting bonds and shared experiences that connect our alumni and the wider community, creating a powerful network for learning and impact that extends far beyond an individual's time within our walls.
Read more about Jason in our latest edition of the Expert Spotlight and stay tuned to hear more from our alumni.