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Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

By: Dr. Robert Sanborn
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Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Each episode, we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas with experts on the quality of life for our children.

Dr. Robert Sanborn - CHILDREN AT RISK
Economics Management Management & Leadership Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Human Trafficking and the World Cup, Immigrant Children & STAAR Testing Results from HISD
    Jun 25 2026

    On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Abbi Antoun, Development Intern at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into some key issues impacting children and families across Texas.

    • HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down HISD's new Kinder Bridge program, early literacy initiatives, and what the latest STAAR results reveal about student learning across the district.
    • Human Trafficking & the World Cup: Dr. Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez of UT Health discusses human trafficking as a public health issue, who is most vulnerable, and what communities should know as Houston prepares to host World Cup events.
    • Immigrant Children: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explores how immigration policies affect children and families, the challenges facing immigrant youth in Texas, and what policymakers should consider when crafting immigration policy.

    Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

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    56 mins
  • HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks
    Jun 11 2026

    On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," explore key issues affecting students, families, and public health in Texas.

    HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest STAAR results, the state takeover of HISD, enrollment trends, and changes to universal free meal programs.

    The Learning Recession: Dr. Cathy Horn, Dean of the University of Houston College of Education, examines declining student achievement, the future of assessments, and challenges facing higher education.

    Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, explains recent concerns surrounding Hantavirus and Ebola, and discusses how experts communicate during emerging public health events.

    Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

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    57 mins
  • The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities
    Jun 4 2026

    On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore key issues impacting children, families, and communities across Houston and Texas.

    Community Well-Being & Belonging: Stephen Ives, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, joins the show to discuss children's physical fitness, the impact of screen time and mental health challenges and why fostering connection and belonging is critical for healthy communities.

    Educational Leadership in HISD: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles reflects on three years leading the district, discusses student achievement and his vision for the future of public education.

    Plus, hear Hip Speak with Lucy Lusk and test your knowledge with the Data of the Day Quiz featuring Dr. Chris Kulesza.

    Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

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    58 mins
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