Beyond the Bell with Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance
Hello this is Beyond the Bell with WOSTA, Wisconsin’s hub for professional development for anyone working in out of school time programs and youth serving organizations. It's our mission to help you provide the highest quality care to children and their families. If you wish you had an extra tool going into programming to help guide behaviors in a productive way, wish you knew more about how to provide the whole family with support, or want to enhance your own wellbeing, then this is a home for you. We know what it’s like to feel as if there is never enough time or resources to meet everyone’s needs and we are here to support you through the challenges. Stay tuned as we have conversations with our guests to explore new ideas and strategies that you can use in your work right away.
Episodes
63 episodes
Beyond the Cafeteria: Food Access & Equity in Wisconsin Schools
This episode of Beyond the Bell explores the vital role of school nutrition in supporting student success and well-being. Featuring insights from the School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin, listeners will learn how school meals go beyond the...
•
25:48
Beyond the Pantry: Hunger Task Force’s Mission in Action
This episode of Beyond the Bell highlights the work of Hunger Task Force, Wisconsin’s leading anti-hunger organization and Milwaukee’s only Free & Local food bank. Learn how their unique model supports equitable food access through...
•
24:46
Voices Beyond the Bell: Advocacy That Echoes:
This episode of Beyond the Bell, we dive into advocacy in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs with Jackie Scott and Daniel Gage—two passionate leaders working to elevate youth development across Wisconsin. Learn how OST professionals can...
•
33:17
Building Hope: How Habitat Creates Homes and Community
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we hear from a passionate student leader about the transformative work of Habitat for Humanity. Learn how this nonprofit empowers families through affordable housing, community partnerships, and volu...
•
25:44
Innovate & Create: Launching and Sustaining Makerspaces on a Shoestring
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we dive into the world of STEM and creativity with a focus on launching and sustaining Makerspaces—even with limited resources. Discover how these dynamic, hands-on environments empower students to e...
•
29:37
Rooted in Change: Nourishing Communities from the Ground Up
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we explore how Nourish Farms is transforming food security in Sheboygan County through education, hands-on experiences, and deep community collaboration. Executive Director Ryan Laswell shares how th...
•
33:22
Meals That Matter: Growing Nourishment Beyond the Plate
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we spotlight Allison Laine Thompson, CEO of Fresh Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County. Learn how this innovative program is tackling food insecurity by growing its own produce, delivering fresh, nutr...
•
31:35
Thriving for the Long Haul: Sustainability Strategies for Programs
What does it take to build out-of-school time programs that last? In this episode, we explore the core elements of sustainability—from funding and partnerships to innovation and adaptability. With a focus on the future of 21st Century Community...
•
25:32
Activating Your Champions for Reliable Funding Sources
In this episode, we explore how OST leaders can strengthen their funding strategies by engaging community champions, building strong funder relationships, and diversifying support. Learn practical tips to position your program for long-term suc...
•
21:11
From Partners to Champions: Building Powerful Alliances with Community Stakeholders
Building partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, and other stakeholders. In this episode, we discuss the art of building meaningful, lasting partnerships. Whether it’s collaborating with local businesse...
•
21:29
Bridging the School Community: Turning Stakeholders into Champions
Fostering collaboration with school administration, teachers, and parent-teacher groups In this episode, we explore how OST leaders can build strong, collaborative relationships with school administrators, teachers, and par...
•
18:04
Data with a Heartbeat: Where Education Meets Impact Through Meaningful Evaluation
In this episode, we dive into how 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) can turn performance data into powerful stories of student growth, family engagement, and community connection. Discover how to identify the most impactful da...
•
19:06
Building a Better Community Through Food Access
In this episode, Courtney Kramolis, the Food Access Director at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, discusses her efforts to ensure everyone has access to nourishing meals. She oversees programs like Y on the Fly and the Mobile Market, and collabor...
•
27:31
Food for Thought: Pantry Perspectives
Learn how the Nekoosa School District is addressing food insecurity through its new Food Pantry, supported by a former AmeriCorps member and a grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program. This episode explores how community engagement, student...
•
18:10
The Vital Role of Quality Staff in 21st Century Community Learning Centers
In this episode we explore the critical importance of high-quality staff in 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) programs. Join Kelly Coulthard as she discusses the essential characteristics and skills needed for OST staff to foster me...
•
32:21
Together We Thrive: Family Engagement Strategies
Discover practical strategies for fostering family-school partnerships, effective communication methods, and overcoming challenges to ensure families are actively involved in their children's education. Tune in to learn how family engagement ca...
•
25:14
Aligning Program Activities with Grant Goals and Objectives
In this episode, Allyson Cummings shares her insights on aligning afterschool program activities with the goals and objectives of the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant. She discusses strategies for ensuring that programs suppo...
•
16:38
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
Join us as we converse with Dr. Kommisetti, a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in adult mental health. In this episode, we delve into the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace. Dr. Kommisetti shares insights on recogniz...
•
21:25
Harvesting Hope: The Power of Community Supported Agriculture
Join us as we chat with Ashley from Badger State Farms LLC, an educational and small event farm in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Ashley, who holds a master's degree in international business and an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Marketing ...
•
21:58
Connect & Converse: Meaningful Dialogues with Youth
In this episode, we explore the "Connect With Me" cards, a unique tool designed to foster meaningful conversations with youth. These cards cover a range of topics, including relationships, mental health, technology, and more, making it easier t...
•
21:09
90 Days to Success: From Blueprint to Reality in Strategic Planning
In this episode, we explore the concept of a 90-day strategic plan, a focused and agile approach to achieving significant goals within a short timeframe. By identifying key issues, setting clear objectives, and outlining actionable steps, this ...
•
35:03
From Pasture to Pantry: How CC Cattle Company is Fighting Hunger
In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Philanthropy Farming, a nonprofit farm established in 2020 to tackle food insecurity. Founded by Sam Cooke, a firefighter and a military veteran, the farm raises pasture-fed beef cattle and d...
•
37:10
Fork Farms: Growing Solutions for Food Insecurity
In this episode, we dive into the innovative world of Fork Farms with President Alex Tyink and Director of Partnership Development Steve Tyink. Discover how their hydroponic gardening systems are transforming schools and communities by providin...
•
41:33
How Social Determinants of Health Impact Functioning
Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the profound effects of social determinants on health and daily functioning. Discover practical strategies and innovative solutions to address these determinants and improve community health. Tun...
•
16:06
Empowering the Community; The Vital Role of a 24/7 Food is Free Pantry.
In Beaver Dam, WI, the community comes together to support one another through the Food is Free pantry. Open 24/7, this pantry provides essential food supplies to anyone in need, helping to combat food insecurity. Learn how this initiative ensu...
•
43:43