Pennsylvania’s ECYEH Program summer camp, “Build Your Best School Year,” is returning this July! Learn about this year’s summer camp hosted at Camp Fowler in Orefield, Pennsylvania. This year’s camp for McKinney Vento eligible middle-school aged students will take place July 28 to August 1. Hear from Mike Brady, Camp Director, and Melissa Turnpaugh, Center for Schools and Communities, as they discuss this unique opportunity specifically for Pennsylvania McKinney-Vento eligible students.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links

• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Sign up for email updates
• Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guest

Mike Brady, M.Ed., Director, Camp Fowler

Mike Brady, M.Ed., is a passionate experiential learning facilitator with over 20 years of experience in education, adventure-based learning, and youth development. Now in his third year as director of Camp Fowler, Mike leads year-round programming that fosters personal growth, resilience, and community.

Before joining Camp Fowler, Mike created and facilitated The Epiphany Project, an innovative experiential learning program for youth in an adolescent residential treatment facility. He also spent years as a dedicated social studies and alternative school teacher, earning recognition as Teacher of the Year for Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia.

Mike lives in the Lehigh Valley with his wife, three kids, three dogs, and two cats, bringing his passion for adventure, education, and the outdoors into both his personal and professional life.

Listen to the latest "I Will Be Your Voice" episode where we kick off 2025 and chat with the statewide Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) program team at the Center for Schools and Communities. We'll reflect on unforgettable highlights from 2024 and unveil exciting initiatives on the horizon for 2025. Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our efforts with the ECYEH program and discover how our team collaborates to create lasting impact. Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode - it's packed with stories, teamwork, and inspiration!

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links

• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Sign up for email updates
• Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guests

• Matt Butensky, Youth Development Project Manager
• Taylor Teichman, Youth Development Coordinator
• Ben Simmons, Youth Development Specialist
• Melissa Turnpaugh, ARP-HCY Youth Development Coordinator

In this special episode, we’re stepping away from our usual format to bring you powerful messages of homelessness and hope, in recognition of Pennsylvania’s annual Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Student Homelessness Awareness Week.

Observed each November—most recently from November 11-15, 2024—this week shines a light on the critical importance of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It highlights the efforts to provide stability, consistency, and support to children and youth experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania. You will hear recorded messages from some of Pennsylvania’s most dedicated advocates for students experiencing homelessness. Through their voices, we invite you to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these students face, the life-changing resources they need, and the vital impact we can all make together. We hope these messages educate, inspire, and motivate you to take action. Each of us has the power to make a difference—and collectively, we can achieve even more.

Read the transcript (PDF).

Links

• PA ECYEH Awareness Week Toolkit
• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• Sign up for email updates
• Center for Schools and Communities

Meet Our Guests

Jada Guiste, Psychology Student, University of Pittsburgh, Former Homeless Youth

Doris Hagemann, Director of Student Services, Cumberland Valley School District

Lisette Rivera, Site Coordinator for Families in Transition, Foster Care Point of Contact, School District of Lancaster

Patricia Maila, Site Coordinator for Families in Transition, School District or Lancaster

Gwen Bailey, Vice President, Programs, HopePHL