Winner of multiple awards from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, What it Takes features experts and committed citizens to our studio to discuss timely issues affecting Southwest Virginians. Hosted by BRPBS Director of Educational Innovation Tom Landon, WIT embodies the spirit of our ECHO Channel, featuring topics on Education, Community, Health and Opportunity.
SEASON 7 PREMIERES Wednesday, October 15 @ 7:30pm
Also, streaming on ECHO
COMING UP...
October 29 - What it takes to preserve and promote black history in Pulaski
During the dark period of segregation, black students in Pulaski and the rest of Virginia had limited educational opportunities beyond 7th grade. When segregation in schools ended, most of the schools serving black children were shuttered. Today, the Calfee School in Pulaski serves as a model for revitalizing these structures with facilities that include child care, a community kitchen and digital lab, and a museum to honor past students and faculty. Guests include Jill Williams, Executive Director, and former student and celebrated Pulaski County educator Dr. Michael Hickman.
November 5 - What it Takes to Go Back to Earn a High School Diploma
What happens when kids drop out of school only to later realize that having a diploma can be a huge key to success? The new Excel Center at Melrose Plaza is host to a program that helps adults earn their diploma while receiving wraparound services that counteract the many obstacles that can derail them on the path to a degree. Guests include Bruce Major, Director of the Excel Center, and Kelly Weems, Senior Director of Community Impact for Goodwill Industries of the Valley, which sponsors and houses the program.
November 12 - What it Takes to Support New Moms
Hospitals and health care providers make a big effort to support mothers during the process leading up to giving birth, but parents often leave the hospital lacking the support they need to raise healthy children while also taking care of themselves post-partum. Dr. Jaclyn Nunziato is an OBGYN in Roanoke, and she and others have been working to support new moms under the guise of Huddle Up Moms, a non-profit that continues to expand services. In addition to Dr. Nunziato, host Tom Landon is joined by Natasha Saunders-Cotton, Moms Under Pressure Program Director for Huddle Up Moms.
November 19 - What it Takes to Teach ALL Children
In Virginia, all students are guaranteed a chance to learn, regardless of their cognitive or behavioral challenges. In some cases it's determined that a kid's needs might be best met by attending a private day school where they can learn the skills and behaviors necessary to either return to public school or make the transition to life after school. One option is the Minnick Schools, a private day school that is part of an entity called enCircle, with locations in Grundy, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Wytheville, Wise and Bristol. Host Tom Landon is joined by Minnick's Director of Education Ashley Wittl-Osborne and John Davis, Supervisor of Educational Technology.
November 26 - What it Takes to Capture Carbon
All over the globe, scientists are working on the complex problem of carbon capture to combat global warming and climate change. As a major research institution, Virginia Tech is doing its part. Host Tom Landon is joined by Dr. Ryan Pollyea, an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences and faculty in the Department of Mining and Minerals who is working with a local business to explore the practicality of using existing mining facilities to store carbon underground.