The 180 Podcast | Karen Pittman: Learning Happens Everywhere
If, as the saying goes, learning happens everywhere, how can our community based programs—the ones outside the classroom that serve and engage our children and youth—use the Science of Learning and Development to rethink and redesign what kids do after the end of school bell rings? Karen Pittman just might be the perfect person to ask. Pittman is co-founder, President, and CEO at the Forum for Youth Investment, whose mission is simple and daunting: to change the odds so that all children and youth are ready for college, work, and life. Pittman is a globally-recognized leader in youth development, launching new organizations and initiatives at virtually every stop. Those stops include the Urban Institute, Children’s Defense Fund, and Clinton administration, as well as a stint with retired General Colin Powell to create America’s Promise, an umbrella group that connects hundreds of national nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, and more, focused on helping young people succeed.
Pittman has won numerous honors, written three books, and was named one of the 25 most influential leaders in after school by the National Afterschool Association. She is also a member of Turnaround for Children’s board of directors and, along with Pamela Cantor, M.D. and others, a leader of the Science of Learning and Development Alliance.
A major point of Pittman’s work is the idea that learning and development can happen in all of the settings where children grow and learn, if these environments are designed—and adults are prepared—to optimize development and learning.
Also listen to the Podcast here.
