In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Keith Parker, Colina Bartlett, Tiffany Dudley, and Kelly Cowell from the ECPPS Microschool in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Together, they share the story behind launching an innovative public microschool designed to reimagine what learning can look like for today’s students. With small cohorts, flexible learning environments, and a strong emphasis on relationships and real-world experiences, the team is building a student-centered model rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and community.

We explore how the district moved from listening to community needs to rapidly designing and launching a new learning environment in less than a year. The conversation highlights the role of educators as guides, the power of project-based learning, and the importance of removing bureaucratic barriers to innovation. At its heart, this microschool is about creating meaningful choices for families and ensuring public education continues to evolve for the future. Join us to explore what’s possible when a community decides to do school differently.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why districts are turning to microschools to reimagine public education and create new options for families
• How student-centered learning, project-based experiences, and the “guide” model shift the role of teachers and empower learners
• What it takes for a school district to remove bureaucratic barriers and experiment with new models that better prepare students for a changing world

Resources:

• ECPPS Microschool – Learn more about the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools microschool initiative
• Ascent Microschool – The innovative school model in Austin, Texas that inspired the ECPPS team’s design work
• North Carolina School Boards Association – Learn more about the organization that hosts the annual conference where ECPPS students presented their work
• Rock by Rock – Explore the project-based science learning program used by the microschool

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Krystal Popov, founder of Futurepreneur, a program designed to help kids ages 6–16 turn creativity and tech skills into real-world ventures. Drawing on her own journey as a serial entrepreneur and parent, Krystal shares why entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses, but about building problem-solvers who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We explore the core skills at the heart of her work: seeing problems as opportunities, developing grit, and learning to communicate with confidence. Krystall walks us through how her “business-in-a-box” kits guide kids through branding, budgeting, marketing, and sales while engaging families and communities along the way.

From lemonade stands to neighborhood helper services, these experiences help young people set goals, stick with challenges, and discover where they shine. Join us to explore how entrepreneurship can reshape learning for the next generation.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why entrepreneurship builds problem-solving, resilience, and leadership skills
• Engaging families and communities in authentic learning experiences
• Barriers to entrepreneurship in traditional school settings and how to navigate them

Resources:

• Follow Krystal Popov on Facebook and Instagram
• Futurepreneur – Explore youth entrepreneurship kits and programs
• Free Futurepreneur™ Starter Kit: Teach Your Kid to Dream
• Free Kid Biz (Lemonade Stand Freebie) – Download a starter business plan
• Lehman Academy of Excellence – Learn more about the charter model mentioned

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment. Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia is becoming an open-walled learning ecosystem where curiosity, repair, and real-world problem solving guide learning far beyond the classroom.

Together, we dig into learner voice, community partnerships, and why experiences like repair clinics, education passports, and local internships matter just as much as traditional academic pathways. Belén also reflects on shifting definitions of success, the future of work, and the importance of helping parents reimagine what learning can look like for their children.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at how communities can stitch together existing resources to support agency, exploration, and lifelong learning. Join us to explore what’s possible when learning truly belongs to everyone.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What a citywide learning ecosystem looks like in practice
• How repair and sustainability spark curiosity and problem solving
• Elevating learner voice through real community roles
• Rethinking credit, credentials, and success beyond classrooms
• Building trust with parents around nontraditional learning paths

Resources:

• The Learning Quest
• Education Reimagined: Learn more about learner-centered education and ecosystem labs nationwide
• Repair Café: Discover how community repair events support sustainability and hands-on learning
• Acton Academy: Learn more about learner-driven education models influencing Learning Quest’s work

Produced by NOVA