Big Thought

Check out this opportunity from Big Thought's Professional Learning team! They're offering a blended CPR/First Aid/AED course for organizations and individuals in our community at a discounted rate. This hybrid course is a great way to ensure that your team is prepared for emergencies. Register now through January 20 at https://bit.ly/48UYGqc

It was so good to gather with leaders, partners, and friends at the National Summer Learning Association Summit this week. Byron K. Sanders joined fellow contributors to Built for More: The Role of Out-of-School Time in Preparing Youth for the Future of Work to discuss the importance of skill development, learner-centered ecosystems, and the essential role of the youth-serving workforce. Our Big Thought Institute team also co-hosted an engaging pre-conference session with our new partner, Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR). Dr. Gil Noam of PEAR and Harvard, and LeAnn Binford of Big Thought Institute, shared insights from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation and explored how technology impacts today’s youth. The past seven years have been a time of vision and growth, and we’re deeply grateful for all that’s been built. As we look ahead, we’re excited to see how the growth and impact are continuing under Erin Offord’s leadership into this next chapter.

As the world of work takes all kinds of new shapes and dimensions, it's never been more important to nurture our youth to thrive as they navigate ways to contribute to our changing economy and build fulfilling futures. Join Big Thought Institute, Education Reimagined, and FabNewport on Thursday, December 5 at 11 am CST for the ‘Built for More’ webinar, the first of several discussions on key themes from the new book in the Current Issues in Out-of-School Time series. RSVP to join us at https://bit.ly/4eiUwcJ

We’re excited to share that Big Thought and Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) have partnered to expand the reach of PEAR’s Developmental Resilience Training. This research-backed certificate program is designed to equip educators with the skills needed to support youth mental health and resilience. Together, PEAR and Big Thought are committed to equipping educators to make a lasting impact on youth well-being. Read more about our partnership at https://bit.ly/4fodlfI

Proud to have Tiffany, Nicholas, and Myi’a represent Big Thought at the Visit Dallas Annual Meeting! ?? They connected with friends and partners and celebrated community trailblazers who received Can-Do Spirit Awards. As Visit Dallas’s nonprofit partner, we were excited to showcase how Big Thought embodies the creativity, diversity, and artistry of Dallas. Huge thank you to Visit Dallas for their partnership and for having us!

Our CEO Erin Offord had the opportunity to present at the Walmart Retail Opportunity Network Convening this week. She shared Big Thought’s approach to ecosystem building, our Creator Archetype skill-building framework, and moving systems—all focused on helping youth thrive and creating lasting change. The panel also included leaders from Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, SHRM Foundation, and YouthBuild Global, who are working to shape the future of work and opportunity.

We’re honored to be nominated for the COSIGN Magazine Nonprofit of the Year Award alongside partners and orgs who have such an impact in our community. There are still a few more days to cast your vote at https://bit.ly/408Owjs

Last week, we came together to welcome Erin Offord as our new CEO and honor Byron Sanders. The space was alive with art, poetry, music, and—most importantly—our friends and partners. We're excited for what’s to come under Erin’s leadership, building on the strategic foundation Byron established. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event and to all who continue to support and share our mission.

We had an incredible day with Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation at the College Festival Turn Up! Youth explored their post-high school options – like colleges, trades, and entrepreneurship – and had fun at skill-building stations with gaming, music creation, and oil painting. Huge thanks to the advisors who sat down with youth to hear about their experiences and provide insight, and thanks to VMYDF for hosting an amazing day!

We're excited to collaborate with Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation on this opportunity for middle school and high school students. This free event will allow students and families to engage with colleges on-site and explore future career paths, helping to set them up for long-term success.