In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re reconnecting with returning guest and “serial school starter” Nathan Gorsch, executive director and principal of the Colorado Springs School of Technology. Nathan shares how his experience launching Village High School shaped the vision for this new, industry-driven high school designed around immersive, future-focused learning. We explore how a powerful coalition of district leaders, higher education, and local industry came together to create a tech-focused ecosystem serving both students and the regional workforce.

We also dig into what school actually looks and feels like for students: flexible, workplace-inspired spaces, pathway-based coursework in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and short, high-impact industry sprints led by professionals. Nathan reflects on why ethical leadership matters just as much as technical skills—especially in fields like AI—and hints at what’s coming next in the broader innovation zone. Join us to explore how schools can truly partner with the community to prepare students for emerging careers.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Launching the Colorado Springs School of Technology as an industry-driven innovation high school
• Lessons learned from Village High School and applying them in a new context
• Designing flexible, workplace-inspired learning spaces and student-centered pathways
• Monday “industry sprints” with professionals in branding, ethics, design thinking, and rocketry
• Embedding ethical leadership and social responsibility into high-tech career preparation
• Envisioning an innovation zone with future medical, public service, and middle school models

Resources:

• Colorado Springs School of Technology – Explore the school’s pathways in aerospace, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to see how an innovation high school can partner with industry.
• Village High School – Look into Nathan’s first school startup to understand the blended, learner-agency model that inspired this next chapter.
• Colorado Springs School District 11 – Learn more about the district context and its commitment to a school of innovation and a broader innovation zone.
• Challenger Learning Center – Check out their 3D printing, rocketry, and aerospace experiences that support hands-on learning for CSSOT students.
• DECA– Discover how student participation in business and marketing competitions builds real-world skills and confidence.
• Portfolio School (NYC) – Explore other innovative school models experimenting with short, intensive projects and student-centered design.
• Follow Nathan Gorsch on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Sean Geraghty, founder of Reset Coaching and co-founder of the Center for Teen Flourishing, to explore what today’s teens truly need to thrive. Sean walks us through the research behind how young people spend their time from 3 PM to 3 AM, highlighting the growing displacement of in-person connection, hobbies, work, and other meaningful activities by passive screen use. Together, we dig into why this shift matters and what opportunity costs families often overlook.

We also unpack the misconceptions around motivation and executive function—especially for teens with ADHD or chronic overwhelm—and how small, personalized strategies can lead to big wins. Sean shares practical insights from coaching, research, and behavioral science that help teens re-engage with life in authentic, sustainable ways. Join us to learn more about building healthier habits, supporting agency, and helping young people flourish.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• How teens’ after-school hours have shifted from real-life engagement to digital distraction
• The opportunity costs of screen time and why time-use matters
• What motivation and executive function actually look like for ADHD and overwhelmed teens
• Why personalized systems outperform one-size-fits-all strategies

Resources:

• I’ll Do It Later: Surviving School and Renewing With Love With Your ADHD Son by Sean Geraghty & Mike Goldstein — A practical guide for parents supporting ADHD learners.
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — Explore the research shaping national conversations around teens, mental health, and technology.
• Center for Teen Flourishing — Learn more about ongoing research into teens’ daily habits and wellbeing.
• Reset Coaching — Discover executive function strategies and coaching support for teens and young adults.
• American Time Use Survey (ATUS) — A national data source on how Americans spend their time, including trends among teens.

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse learners, and shared resources into one collaborative ecosystem. Lisa unpacks why higher education is leaning in so deeply to rethink the K–12 pipeline and how this joint endeavor creates a win-win for students, universities, and future employers alike.

We also discuss how early college credit, real-world problem-based learning, and multi-district collaboration offer students a transformative pathway into high-demand IT careers. Lisa highlights the economic benefits of accelerated degree completion, the value of divergent perspectives, and why microschools may hold the key to scalable, future-ready learning experiences across communities.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• Why post-secondary institutions are rethinking partnerships with K–12
• The design and purpose of the Early IT Microschool model
• Multi-district collaboration as an engine for divergent thinking and problem solving
• How early college credit accelerates economic mobility for students
• What it takes to scale microschool models across different contexts

Resources:

• University of Cincinnati Early IT Program

Produced by NOVA