The Created for Greatness Podcast

In this video, two STRIVE Initiative students discuss activities and skills within the DJing and Podcasting programs.

In this episode of The Created for Greatness Podcast, four students from the CTE program at Pottstown High School share their personal experiences in the program. They discuss how the program has helped them gain valuable hands-on training, explore career paths, and build real-world skills while still in high school. Tune in to hear how these students are preparing for their futures and taking meaningful steps toward their careers.

A STRIVE Initiative student talks about judging, being judged, first impressions, and the misconceptions that stay with you after first interactions. 

In this episode, two students from The STRIVE Initiative talk about how it is to be a "Created for Greatness" Podcaster. 

Episode 36 On August 7th, we wrapped up Pottstown Play Streets in the borough of Pottstown. During the Summer, the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department and Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, formerly known as, Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation puts on a block party called "Play Streets". These neighborhood block parties are resourceful and tons of fun for the entire family. Our last Play Streets podcast conversation was located on Prince St. (Bright Hope Community). Check out the final episode, where STRIVE students interview community members on what Play Streets and community means to them!           ----------------- Produced and edited by David Charles and Duncan DeVore II Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 35 We are joined today by Dr. Matthew George Washington. He is assistant professor of history at Prairie View A&M University and author of "The Jim Crow North: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Pottstown, Pennsylvania". As a three part podcast series, Dakota and Noel interview Dr. Washington for round three to talk about the history of civil rights in Pottstown, and the surprisingly significant role that our borough played in the struggle for equality.    ----------------- Produced and edited by David Charles and Mikki Gatto Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/  

Episode 34 We are joined today by Dr. Matthew George Washington. He is assistant professor of history at Prairie View A&M University and author of "The Jim Crow North: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Pottstown, Pennsylvania". As a three part podcast series, Dakota and Noel interview Dr. Washington for round two to talk about the history of civil rights in Pottstown, and the surprisingly significant role that our borough played in the struggle for equality.    ----------------- Produced and edited by David Charles and Mikki Gatto Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/  

Episode 33 This Thursday, we kickoff Play Streets in the borough of Pottstown. During the Summer, the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department and Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation puts on a block party called "Play Streets". See Play Streets summer schedule below:   Schedule:    June 12: Cherry St. Park   June 26: Prince St. (Bright Hope)   July 10: Chestnut St. Park   July 24: Washington/West Park   July 31: Spruce St. Park   Rain Date:   August 7: TBD   ----------------- Produced and edited by David Charles and Mikki Gatto Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 32 Today marks the 5 year anniversary of the beginning of the COVID lockdown in 2020. Our students were in 1st, 2nd, and third grade when it happened, so we take some time to reflect on what it was like for them, how they felt, what they experienced, and what lessons they learned (or didn't learn).    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 31 When have you needed help? When were you able to help someone else? Today, we explore what it's like to be a friend and to have a good support network.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 30 Today we are joined by very special guests, Charles and Theo Jackson. They are in fourth and first grade, respectively, and are joining us for a very special episode. Our Middle Schoolers offer wisdom and advice on how to get through Elementary and what to expect as they move up to a new school.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 29 We are joined today by Dr. Matthew George Washington. He is assistant professor of history at Prairie View A&M University and author of "The Jim Crow North: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Pottstown, Pennsylvania". Dakota and Noel sat down with him at the Pottstown High School to talk about the history of civil rights in Pottstown, and the surprisingly significant role that our borough played in the struggle for equality.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 28 It's a special one-on-one episode with Christazja and Zack about her experience in the pilot program "Montco 360" at Montgomery County College. We talk about engineering, creativity, fixing the world's problems, and the incredible opportunities that are here in the borough.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 27 We've got some birthdays in the house which means this is a birthday episode! It's full of stories, memories, hopes, and advice.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 26 It's a new school year, and we have a new crew of Middle Schoolers at the mics. This season is going to be filled with thoughtful explorations, hilarious moments, and plenty of good times. First up, let's get to know the students. In this episode, they talk about who they admire.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 25 Our college crew is back for one last episode before returning to school. We discuss what they are studying, why they are drawn to it, and how they are going to make the world a better place.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 24 Equitable transit-oriented development is a bit of a mouthful, but our college crew unpacks why it is so important for up-and-coming places like Pottstown, and how it could make our borough a better place for everyone!    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 23 Every Thursday during the Summer, the Pottstown Parks Department puts on a block party called "Play Streets". We took our microphones and a couple students to talk to some of the difference makers in the borough. We talk with Councilwoman Trenita Lindsay and Luke Johnson. This is part 2 recorded on August 1st 2024.   ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 22 Every Thursday during the Summer, the Pottstown Parks Department puts on a block party called "Play Streets". We took our microphones and a couple middle schoolers to talk to some of the difference makers in the borough. This is part 1 recorded on July 11th 2024.   ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 21 During Pottstown's 2024 Juneteenth celebration, a group of STRIVE alumni, home from college, set up a table inside the Steel River Playhouse to interview some of the folks who made the event happen. They talk about inspiration, dreams, and what it takes to put on a massive community event!    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 20 In this episode, Charleigh goes on location to the Pajama Jam and talks with teachers and student-DJ's about what it takes to throw a good party.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 19 In this episode, we talk about the third marking period and interview teachers and students at the Pep Rally.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 18 In this episode, we answer questions from "listeners", and give advice on how to navigate school, home, crushes, pets, and more!    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 17 In this episode, we talk to two of our students who are working on artistic projects to find out more about their creative process and future dreams.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 16 During Pottstown's 2023 Juneteenth celebration, our group of high school seniors set up a podcast station at "Welcome to the Avenue" where they interviewed local leaders and difference makers. We'll be releasing these episodes as a two-part series. Part two is a conversation with Matt and Art Green.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 15 During Pottstown's 2023 Juneteenth celebration, our group of high school seniors set up a podcast station at "Welcome to the Avenue" where they interviewed local leaders and difference makers. We'll be releasing these episodes as a two-part series. Part one is a combination of three shorter interviews, and highlights the best of who we are as a community.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 14 Sherlyn, Juliette, Reef, and Cody take advantage of the 7 year age gap between them to talk about how their childhoods differed. We talk about music, TV, school, and COVID.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 13 Cory and AJ play a hilarious, thoughtful, silly, and serious game of "On the Spot". We talk about the best parts of Pottstown, unicorns, social media, aliens, and more!    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 12 The Senior Crew talks with Dr. Jennifer Wiseman about her work at NASA, chasing your passion, and the wonders of the cosmos.    https://science.nasa.gov/people/jennifer-j-wiseman-senior-project-scientist/ Read More About Dr. Wiseman Dr. Jennifer Wiseman is a senior astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, where she serves as the senior project scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the Hubble mission is as scientifically productive as possible. Previously, Wiseman headed Goddard’s Laboratory for Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics. She started her career at NASA in 2003 as the program scientist for Hubble and several other astrophysics missions at NASA Headquarters. Wiseman’s scientific expertise is centered on the study of star-forming regions in our galaxy using a variety of tools, including radio, optical and infrared telescopes. She has a particular interest in dense interstellar gas cloud cores, embedded protostars, and their related outflows as active ingredients of cosmic nurseries where stars and their planetary systems are born. As an undergraduate, Wiseman studied physics at MIT, where she discovered the comet 114P/Wiseman-Skiff. She then earned a Ph.D. in astronomy at Harvard University, and continued her research as a Jansky Fellow at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and as a Hubble Fellow at The Johns Hopkins University. In addition to research in astrophysics, Wiseman is also interested in science policy and public science outreach and engagement. She has served as a congressional science fellow of the American Physical Society, an elected councilor of the American Astronomical Society and a public dialogue leader for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She enjoys giving talks on the excitement of astronomy and scientific discovery, and has appeared in many science and news venues, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, NOVA and National Public Radio. Wiseman grew up on a small farm in the Ozark Mountains of rural Arkansas and loves animals, forests, night skies and exploring nature.   ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 11 The Senior Crew talks about the history and future of energy, how we can fuel the future, and what we have to be optimistic about.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 10 Cody and Zack talk about STRIVE's music and DJ program, Cody's hopes for high school, and why everyone should play drums in the street.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 9 Our Senior Crew takes us on a tour of the many times that scientists were wrong, and what implications that has had for society. In the process, we learn to embrace humility, and seek truth with new resolve.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 8 Our Senior Crew takes us on a historical tour of Pottstown, teaching us about the many reasons to be proud of our home.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 7 Our Middle School crew explores what it is like to grow up in an ever-connected world, their hope for the future, and what it means to grow as a person.     ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 6 The Senior Crew talks about creative writing as a way of emotional healing and finding common themes in our stories/lives.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/  

Episode 5 Our Middle School crew explores how they use technology, how it has affected their lives, and what they are hoping for in the future.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 4 On June 17th, 2023, the recently graduated Senior Crew sat down at "Welcome to the Avenue" (107 E. High St) to interview local leaders and community members. This was the final interview of the day, but we wanted to launch it early because David artfully explains how STRIVE came to be and how this podcast was dreamed into being.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 3   King and Sean talk about the emotional roller coaster that was Super Bowl LVII. How do you handle such profound disappointment? How do you deal with fair-weather fans? How can you apply the lessons of professional sports to your own life?    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 2 In our second episode, the High School crew answers the same question that the Middle Schoolers answered last week, "What have you overcome?"   If you are going through a hard time right now, we encourage you to talk to someone who can help. Call a trusted friend, reach out to us, or dial 988 to be connected to the "National Lifeline". You are not alone and it will get better.    ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/

Episode 1   In our first episode, the Middle School crew (aka "Pottstown Voices") answers the question, "What have you overcome?"   ----------------- Produced and edited by Zack Jackson  Created in partnership with the Pottstown School District and the STRIVE Initiative  https://www.pottstownschools.org/ https://striveinitiative.org/   If you would like to get involved with our mentorship program, check out the available opportunities below. https://striveinitiative.org/how-to-help/