Big Thought

We are thrilled to announce that Erin Offord has been appointed as our new CEO! As a 20-year veteran of Big Thought, Erin has been instrumental in driving our mission forward. Known for her profound impact both within the organization and across the DFW community, Erin has always been a visionary leader. We are excited to continue our mission under Erin’s leadership, building on the strategic foundation laid by Byron Sanders. Join us in welcoming Erin into this new role! To learn more about Erin's journey, visit https://bit.ly/3zgrXhK

Last week, Big Thought, in partnership with our friends at Amazon, unveiled the latest issue in Current Issues in Out of School Time, Built for More: The Role of Out-of-School Time in Preparing Youth for the Future of Work. A big thanks to our panelists, Jarrad Toussant from Dallas Regional Chamber, Chike Aguh from The Project on Workforce at Harvard, Craig von Collenberg from Amazon Web Services (AWS), armando banchs from Big Thought, and our moderator Will Maddox from D Magazine for sharing their knowledge and insights, and to Vickie Yakunin at Amazon for sponsoring this event and believing in the importance of this conversation around the future of work.

As students head back to the classroom, it's important to remember that after school learning is a crucial part of their education. In Built for More: The Role of OST in Preparing Youth for the Future of Work, experts explore how out of school time (OST) programs are essential in preparing young people to thrive in every aspect of their lives. The book, edited by Big Thought's Byron K. Sanders and Shannon Epner, MPAP, examines how OST activities give youth the skills they need for today's changing world. Whether it's learning new technology or building resilience, Built for More highlights why experiences beyond school hours are vital. Purchase your copy to see how OST programs are shaping the future and helping young people make a difference in their communities: https://amzn.to/4e0hR3k

Big Thought is deeply honored to be among this stellar list of innovative grantees alongside our partners at?The History Co:Lab. The future of work is upon us, and it depends on human-centered learning ecosystems powered by relationships. We are grateful to our visionary partners at?Siegel Family Endowment for believing in the power and promise of youth voice, ecosystems, and belonging for all.

Come and see how our organizations can collaborate to create meaningful experiences for youth and families. ?? Join us on Tuesday, September 3, from 11 am-1:30 pm at Singing Hills Recreation Center. Bring your business cards and your passion for our community! RSVP at https://bit.ly/4dOeyw3

Big Thought made a splash at the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers 2024 Summer Symposium in San Francisco! Our team led three awesome sessions, including: ?? The Creator Archetype: OST Skill Development Meets Tomorrow’s Workforce by Armando Banchs and Julia deLeon ?? Thinking BIG – Partnerships that Amplify Impact by LeAnn Binford ?? Quality Out of School Time Instruction: Using the Six Dimensions of Quality by Lela Bell and Julia deLeon Way to go, team! ??

You can have your cookies and support Big Thought, too! ?? Order Tiff's Treats now through September 2 and 20% of your purchase will benefit Big Thought. Here's how it works: 1?? Place an order at https://bit.ly/4fOUE5U or on the Tiff's Treats mobile app 2?? At checkout, enter BIGTHOUGHT into the box marked "Add Coupon Code" in the order summary section 3?? You'll see $0.01 deducted from your total which means the promotional code has been applied to your order Order now for a back-to-school gift or a treat for yourself at https://bit.ly/4fOUE5U

Big Thought’s Consulting Services team was on the ground this summer visiting partner schools’ summer programs. Following TEA's Additional Days School Year Planning and Execution Program (ADSY PEP) grant, we collaborate to create a vibrant, non-traditional summer school experience. St. Anthony Academy, right here in Dallas, hosted two outstanding and rigorous summer sessions that featured both academics and enrichment, focusing on STEM curriculum and activities like culinary skills, archery, chess, world percussion, and more.

These experts from our team are part of panel proposals for SXSW EDU 2025. We’d love to see their panels take the stage! You can help them get there by voting for: ?? Learner-Centered Ecosystems: Dive into this Growing Movement, organized by Education Reimagined (https://bit.ly/472yolb) ?? The Importance of Youth Agency in Sparking Career Pathways, organized by Big Thought (https://bit.ly/4dfmW7W) ?? Activating the Power of Communities for Radical Change, organized by Big Picture Learning (https://bit.ly/4fDKt45) ?? AI-Enabled Career Exploration: Preparing Kids for Future Job, organized by American Student Assistance (https://bit.ly/3WJX2C3)

We talk a lot about how real-world learning beyond the classroom is key to shaping a young person’s career journey (we even have a book about it)—and we want to bring this conversation to SXSW EDU! Help us make it happen by voting for our panel, The Importance of Youth Agency in Sparking Career Pathways, featuring: ?? Bobbi Macdonald, Senior Partner for Ecosystems Advancement and Growth, Education Reimagined ?? Monique Miles, Vice President of The Aspen Institute; Director of the Opportunity Youth Forum; Managing Director of the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions, The Aspen Institute ?? armando banchs , Sr. Manager, Creator Archetype, Big Thought ?? Chris Kent Phelps, Senior Vice President, Growth and Strategy, D Custom Vote today at https://bit.ly/4dfmW7W