Young Storytellers – Learning Volumes About Our Students Through Creative Writing

Today’s students deal with a myriad of issues includinga rise in anxiety and depression, an ever-growing and often debilitating dependence on technology, and an education system that cares more for increasing standardized test scores than meeting the actual needs of its students. Programs like Young Storytellers are fighting the failing system with a creative approach to boost child interest in school and whole child health. Dr. Rhea brings back President – Head of Growth for Young Storytellers, Bill Thompson, to dive deeper into how the current education system has failed our students, and what his programs have brought to the table to change it. Bill also shares what trends they have seen in the stories his students have told over the years, allowing interesting insight into how today’s youth are really feeling and expressing themselves.Bill began his work with Young Storytellers as a volunteer in 2006. His time as a mentor quickly became the best hour of his week. He served as Executive Director from 2008 through 2023, leading an important period of growth and increased sustainability for Young Storytellers. He is now guiding efforts to scale and maximize impact nationally as the President - Head of Growth. He is a graduate of Yale University (MFA - Drama School) and the University of the Arts (BFA - School of Theatre). Bill has been a Fellow with City Scholars for the past 10 years, is a member of the Policy Council for Create CA, and is the beneficiary of many professional development programs with partners such as Executive Service Corps, the Annenberg Foundation, Hershey Cause Communications, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He was the winner of the Judge’s Award for Innovation at the Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch and the recipient of the Megan G. Cooper Leadership Award from Executive Service Corps.Resources mentioned in this episode:NRG Report: Growing Pains