Shroder High School Podcast Gives Students a Voice on Real Issues

Shroder High School students are using their voices for a podcast series focused on youth perspectives related to gun violence, community and what they can do to help. The initiative is part of an ongoing classroom project led by American Government teacher Craig Rush, in collaboration with Tiffini C. Gray, Blended Learning Coordinator with the Cincinnati Public Schools ITM Department (Learning Technologies Team).

The podcast is being developed by juniors and seniors in Mr. Rush’s classes, who have been studying these themes through the novel Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. The book, which explores the cycle of gun violence and decision-making, serving as a foundation for classroom discussions and the student-produced episodes.

The podcast aims to connect classroom learning to real-world issues while empowering students to engage in conversations and raise awareness about youth violence. Each episode features student-led conversations with volunteer moderators.

“This seminar sparked a passion. Kids are saying they want their own podcast,” said Gray. “A lot of the conversations are grounded in real-world topics, life experiences and wisdom from the community.”

As part of the series, students have had the opportunity to engage in discussions with community leaders, including Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Bishop James Washington.

The podcast is part of a broader effort to amplify student voices and promote civic engagement within Cincinnati Public Schools.