“Don’t Cut the School Counselors” Song Produced by: Shammy Dee and Ruben Escobar Vocals: Shammy Dee A few laws conducted by school counselors: AB 469 - state mandate for financial aid; provide financial aid information to 11th graders; monitor lists and reports for 12th grader financial aid completion rates - all 12th graders must submit a financia…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes reminisce about their favorite memories and share a few updates. We have a special guest audio from, Merone Hailemeskel, Digital and Communications for President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. Audio Edits: Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (20…

Muna Osisioma, Maritza Cha, and Priscilla Grijalva discuss leadership and school counseling. This episode is a repost from their Podcast, "Beyond Guidance." You can find their podcast on your favorite podcast platform: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064205 Audio Edits: Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Voc…

Priscilla Grijalva and TaRael Kee discuss their journey to podcasting and share tips for educators. Audio Edits: Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015); The Kee To Success YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4R2RLDrIiRLKirXjW3LWA/featured…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Dr. Angel Perez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015) https://www.nacacnet.org/

Priscilla Grijalva interviews hair stylist, Ryan Sanger. Ryan is a hair extension and hair color specialist in Los Angeles, CA. They discuss some of the training programs in Boston and Ryan's pathway to becoming a hair stylist. Ryan gives tips for educators and for people interested in his career field. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" S…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews TaRael Kee. He has a YouTube channel called the Kee to Success. He was named the Collinsville School District e-Educator of the Year (2017), recognized by College Board in (2018), received the Lindenwood Alumni Spotlight (2019), and was awarded Illinois School Counselor of the Year (2021). TaRael shares his journey and…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Olivia Carter (2021 National School Counselor of the Year). Olivia shares tips for school counselors and some of the great programs she led in her school district. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015)…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Dr. Jennifer Betters-Bubon, Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott, and Dr. Damien Sweeney. They discuss the great work of School Counselors for MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), the power of MTSS to change educational systems, and support school counseling programs. School Counselors for MTSS: https://www.schoolcounselors4mtss…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Julie Hill, Allen Hill, Monica Bryant, Renee' Schoening, Emilia Peiffer, Wendy Rock, Shari Sevier, & Gen Nelson. They discuss the anti-racism, diversity, and equity book club started by Julie Hill (the Indiana School Counselor of the Year) in 2020. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Je…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Cher Kretz (Corona-Norco Unified School District School Counselor and Parenting with the Focused Mindset Podcast Host). Cher shares some great tips on solution focused counseling! Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015)…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Bob Bardwell, Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Counselor Association. Bob talks about leadership and a few of the great things him and his team are doing in Massachusetts. Bob also gives some tips for National School Counseling Week. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jes…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Karen Lopez (Program Manager at Reach Higher). They discuss the Common App Chatbot and a few of the great educator and student resources. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015)

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Anita Shirley (Eleanor Roosevelt High School Assistant Principal and the 2022 California Association of School Counselors Administrator of the Year). They discuss the Corona-Norco Unified School District School Counselor Mentee/Mentor Program. Anita also shares about her passion for school counseling and helping kids. …

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Jenny Rickard (CEO at Common App). They discuss the updates from Common App. Jenny shares the importance of promoting access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Priscilla also has a short interview with Cindy Jara (Digital Communications Associate for Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative at Com…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Emily Bartlett (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Campaign Development Manager, Students of the Year) and Evelyn Erives (99.1 KGGI Co Host for "ODM & Evelyn in the Morning" and On Air Talent KOST 103.5- Weekends). We discuss the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Students of the Year Program. LLS Students of the Year: htt…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Jeremy Goldman from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Board of Directors. They discuss ASCA and the moment Jeremy got a shout out from Former First Lady, Michelle Obama. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015)…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Cindy Jara, Digital Communications Associate for Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative at Common App. They discuss College Signing Day and the great resources provided by Better Make Room and Reach Higher. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily …

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Sandi Logan (Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida International University), Jan Desmarais-Morse (Goshen Middle School Counselor, Goshen Indiana), and Darwin Vega (Capistrano Valley High School Counselor, California). They discuss school re-entry during a global pandemic and tips for educators. Audio Edits by Dan Re…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Willie Witte, Creative Director for Roadtrip Nation. We discuss the amazing career exploration resources. Roadtrip Nation creates and distributes best-in-class career exploration content, products, and experiences to help individuals pursue fulfilling careers based on what’s important to them. Roadtrip Nation: https://…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Faye Huie (Research Associate) and Michele Gralak (Senior Business Analyst) for the National Student Clearinghouse. They share information and resources about the National Student Clearinghouse. National Student Clearinghouse: https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/ Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics…

Priscilla Grijalva and Josh Godinez (President of the California Association of School Counselors) discuss some of the top Reach Higher Riverside moments of 2020. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015)

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Dr. Carl Cohn. Dr. Cohn is a professor emeritus at Claremont Graduate University. From 2011 through 2018, he served the state of California as a state board of education member, and then as executive director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. Previously, he was superintendent of schools in bot…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Bill DeBaun from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). We discuss the Form Your Future FAFSA Tracker and some of the amazing NCAN resources. FAFSA Tracker: https://formyourfuture.org/ Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Steven Avina (Palm Springs High School Counselor, PSUSD) and Katie Ermert (Lasselle Elementary School Principal, VVUSD). Steven shares tips on how to bridge the gap with parents and students through technology. Katie shares tips for educators on how to create a college-going culture starting as early as elementary scho…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Dr. Carol Barash, Story2 Founder and CEO. We discuss the amazing scholarship and college essay platform that helps students write powerful essays while sharing their stories. Story2 also helps with job cover letters. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals b…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Deja Summerville and Addison Lee (When We All Vote Ambassador Fellows). We discuss the My School Votes program that serves as a space for students who are interested in working with When We All Vote and My School Votes to register and empower voters in their school communities. This program is nonpartisan. Calls are op…

Priscilla Grijalva shares her 3 minute brief summary of what it is like as an educator during a pandemic.

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Abigail Seldin, CEO & Co-Founder of Selding/Haring-Smith Foundation (SHSF). We discuss SwiftStudents, a FREE tool educators can use to help guide high school seniors with financial aid appeal letters. Current college students can also use this free tool. SwiftStudents: https://formswift.com/swift-student Audio Edits Da…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Derek Francis, Manager of Counseling Services, Office of College and Career Readiness for Minneapolis Public Schools. We discuss anti-racism school counseling and how to be a proactive school counselor. Audio Edits Dan Reyes "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by: Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews the professional organizations CASC, ASCA, and WACAC. Interviews with Josh Godinez (CASC President-Elect) and Ashley Kruger (CASC President); Jill Cook (ASCA Assistant Director) and Phil Moreno (WACAC President). Audio also from KGGI 99.1 Radio IE/Riverside College Signing Day and When We All Vote! Audio Edits Dan Reye…

Eric Waldo, Executive Director of Reach Higher shares about College Signing Day. Priscilla Grijalva Interviews Ricky Cherry, College Board Assistant Director K – 12 for State & District Partnerships. We discuss college resources for educators and clearing a path for all students to own their future. Priscilla announces the 99.1 KGGI Radio College S…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Chuck Kennedy who was the former White House Photographer and the Assistant Director of the White House Photo Office for President Barack Obama from 2009-2017. We discuss what it was like to work for the Obama's and his story as a photographer. Audio Edits Dan Reyes "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by: Jessica a…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Natalie Canova (La Sierra High School in Alvord Unified School District Class of 2014 and University of California Riverside Graduate). She also interviews Ilaria Carofiglio from Italy. We discuss study abroad options while in college. Ilaria shares tips and strategies on how to keep perspective during the Corona Virus…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Samuel Molina, California State Director of Mi Familia Vota. We discuss the census and the importance of it. A few shout outs to Deja from Norte Vista High School (Alvord Unified School District), Olivia from Orange Vista High School (Val Verde Unified School District), When We All Vote, and the U.S. Marines. Audio Edi…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Dr. Yuri Nava (Poly High School Counselor, Riverside Unified School District) and Eric Sanchez (Vista Del Lago High School Counselor, Moreno Valley Unified School District). We discuss the importance of the ASCA National Model, data, NCAA and tips for working with athletes. A few shout outs to Reach Higher, ASCA, CASC,…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Barrye Bailey from the Louisiana Department of Education. They discuss college affordability and financial aid. The state of Louisiana has FAFSA as a high school graduation requirement. Audio Edits by Dan Reyes; "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson (2015)…

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Graham Thomas, Tennessee Achieves Deputy Director of Outreach. TN Achieves is a leader in the nation for college affordability and FAFSA completion efforts. TN Achieves recruits, trains and manages the volunteer mentors working directly with TN Promise students to alleviate barriers associated with higher education. Sh…

"When We All Vote" Song Music and Lyrics by Jessica Parry and Jackie Parry of Dianthus (2019). Dianthus: https://www.dianthuslive.com/ When We All Vote: https://www.whenweallvote.org/

Priscilla Grijalva interviews Lupita Cortez Alcala, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction of the California Department of Education. Lupita shares her amazing journey and why making college affordable is so important. Thank you to the California Department of Education for all they do for the students in California! "Reaching Higher" So…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes open October financial aid season with amazing guests! Priscilla interviews Jon Waldrep from the California Student Aid Commission Training and Outreach Programs. Other special guests include: John King (former Education Secretary for Barack Obama and CEO at the Education Trust), Jose Valdivia (UC San Diego), Conner…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes interview Stephanie Sprow Owens (Director of Programming for Reach Higher at the Common App) and Merone Hailemeskel (Director of Communications for Reach Higher at the Common App). Priscilla and Dan share their Beating the Odds story. Stephanie and Merone talk about Michelle Obama's Beating the Odds Summit and they …

Song: "Race to Submit" Artist, Producer and Verses by: BuddIE (2019); Production: Versus Song Lyrics: It’s the race to submit, c’mon you gotta reach higher. Hop behind the wheel cuz now you are the driver. It’s the race to submit, c’mon you gotta reach higher. Don’t let nothing stop you now cuz you the decider. F-A-F-S-A. Sooner you submit. Sooner …

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes interview Andrew Amore, Director of Educator Engagement from When We All Vote. "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by: Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson Audio Edits by: Dan Reyes

Priscilla and Dan interview former NVHS students who met Michelle Obama and former NVHS Reach Higher Commissioner of Club. We recap the I Am Becoming Tour and UCLA College Signing Day as well as when the Reach Higher Initiative was introduced in 2014. Special Guests: Mark Corona (U.S. Marine Corps), Raquel Guerrero (Riverside City College student),…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes recap College Signing Day at UCLA with Michelle Obama! KGGI 99.1 Radio interviews Norte Vista H.S. and two students from Riverside get to be on stage with Michelle Obama! Priscilla interviews Quinton Clay (Director of Admissions at Northern Illinois University) and Beth Arey (College & Career Coordinator at Evanston…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes share some very exciting Reach Higher news! Priscilla interviews some members of the Santiago High School Counseling Team in Corona Norco Unified School District featuring Catherine Wallace, Johnny Campos, Christine Berg, Nathan Theune, Maritza Partida, Randy Thomas, Kristen Matsumoto, and Valencia Applegate. "Reach…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes interview Julie Zierold (Director of Curriculum & Instruction) and Melina Gonzalez (Heritage High School Counselor) from Perris Union High School District. They discuss how Kick Off to College got started and went countywide as well as all the amazing things they do in their district! "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics a…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes recap the week. Priscilla interviews Ngozi Olojede (Scholly Scholarship Marketing Manager) and Josh Godinez (2019 California School Counselor of the Year). "Reaching Higher" Song Lyrics and Music by Jessica and Jackie Parry, Vocals by Emily Patterson Audio Edits by Dan Reyes…

Priscilla Grijalva and Dan Reyes interview Dr. Kedziora (Superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District), Kristen Hunter (MVUSD Director of College and Career Ready), and Esperanza Arce (MVUSD Director of Secondary Education). They share about Moreno Valley Unified School Districts College and Career Program. They also talk about CCGI and …