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
76 episodes
Growing Solutions: Hydroponics and the Fight Against Food Insecurity
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we explore how UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield, Marshfield Clinic, and Fork Farms are using hydroponic farming to transform food access. Learn how this partnership is tackling food insecurity, s...
Summer at Stout: Hands‑On Learning Through STEAM Camps
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we explore UW–Stout’s hands‑on Middle and High School STEAM Camps, where students in grades 6–12 dive into science, technology, engineering, art/design, and math in real university labs and studios. Our guest...
Growing Community: Sullivan Family Farm’s Fight Against Food Insecurity
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we visit Sullivan Family Farm in Manitowoc County—a community-supported farm rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to clean, nutrient-dense food. What began as a personal mission has gro...
Youth Voices in Healthcare: Inside the PATCH Program
Discover how teens are transforming healthcare conversations through the PATCH Teen Consultant Program. In this episode, we talk with student consultants who share their experiences, insights, and why youth voices matter in creating better, mor...
From Field to Fork: Building Food Equity Through Cooperation
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we explore how the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative is strengthening food access across the state by connecting small farms to wholesale markets, institutions, and emergency food systems. Learn how thi...
Feeding Hope: How Rhinelander Builds a Hunger-Free Community
In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we spotlight the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry and its innovative, community-driven approach to fighting food insecurity in northern Wisconsin. From curbside pickup to the Hodag Kids programs and a th...
From Farm to Tray: Tackling Food Insecurity in Wisconsin
This episode dives into the Wisconsin Farm to School Program and its role in reducing food insecurity by connecting local farms with school meal programs. We explore how community partnerships, educational initiatives, and state support are hel...
Rooted in Equity: Nourishing Communities Beyond the Bell
Food insecurity affects thousands of families across Northeast Wisconsin—but Rooted In Inc. is working to change that. In this episode, we explore how this community-driven organization is transforming the local food system through education, c...
Food Access in Action: The Feeding America Approach
This episode of Beyond the Bell features a conversation with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, the state’s largest hunger relief organization. Learn how their mission to fight hunger and feed hope comes to life through innovative prog...
Food, Forests, and Futures: Youth Empowerment Through Local Food Systems
This episode dives into New Leaf Foods’ Inc, innovative approach to food sovereignty and youth development. From food forests to cooking classes, discover how their work builds life skills, confidence, and community.
Universal Meals, Local Impact: Advancing Food Equity in Wisconsin
This episode of Beyond the Bell explores the movement to make universal free school meals a reality in Wisconsin. Learn how policy change, advocacy, and community support can transform food access for students across the state. Hear st...
Voices in STEM: Wisconsin’s Flight Crew Leader
Meet Wisconsin’s representative in the STEM Next Flight Crew and hear how she’s using her voice to advocate for STEM access and equity during out-of-school time.
Food as Medicine: Reimagining Community Wellness
In this episode, we explore how Food for Health, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit, is transforming lives through its “food is medicine” approach. President & CEO Kathy Koshgarian shares how programs like B3Healthy deliver medically tailored meal...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...