UNSTUCK Podcast | Education, Opportunity, and the Power of Community with Von Washington Jr. | Episode 003

UNSTUCK Podcast | Education, Opportunity, and the Power of Community with Von Washington Jr. | Episode 003What happens when a community decides that every student deserves a pathway to opportunity?In this episode of UNSTUCK, Tim Terrentine sits down with Von Washington Jr., CEO of the Kalamazoo Promise, to explore the transformational power of education, community trust, and leadership rooted in service.Von shares the story behind one of the most generous scholarship programs in the United States and the lessons learned from helping thousands of students pursue education beyond high school.From growing up in a military family and constantly starting over, to leading a national model for community investment in education, Von reflects on what it means to build opportunity that lasts for generations.Together, they unpack:• How constant change shaped Von’s leadership style• The real impact of the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship• Why scholarships alone aren’t enough to change lives• The importance of community trust in education• The role relationships play in helping students succeed• How education can break cycles of generational poverty• What leaders must do to help people get unstuckThis conversation is a powerful reminder that opportunity doesn’t happen in isolation.It happens when communities decide to invest in their people.Because when education, leadership, and community come together — transformation becomes possible.About the GuestVon Washington Jr. is the CEO of the Kalamazoo Promise, one of the nation’s most transformative scholarship programs. He leads efforts to expand access to post-secondary education while strengthening community partnerships that support student success.Learn more:Kalamazoo Promise: https://kalamazoopromise.com/Big in the Community Podcast: https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/big-in-the-communityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/von-washington-jr-0046a226/ #UnstuckPodcast #Leadership #Education #CommunityDevelopment #Scholarships #Opportunity #KalamazooPromise #TimTerrentine