EP2: From Passion to Purpose: How Literacy Launchpad Got Its Start!

2025-08-06

Welcome to Episode 2: From Passion to Purpose: How Literacy Launchpad Got Its Start! In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes special guest Madeline Romer, a senior at Syracuse University, who shares her inspiring journey of creating a podcast as part of her capstone project focused on literacy. Madeline discusses her passion for education and the pivotal role literacy plays in shaping the future of children in the Syracuse community. Throughout the epi...

Welcome to Episode 2: From Passion to Purpose: How Literacy Launchpad Got Its Start!

In this enlightening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes special guest Madeline Romer, a senior at Syracuse University, who shares her inspiring journey of creating a podcast as part of her capstone project focused on literacy. Madeline discusses her passion for education and the pivotal role literacy plays in shaping the future of children in the Syracuse community.

Throughout the episode, listeners will discover how Madeline's research into local literacy rates and community needs sparked the idea for this podcast, aimed at empowering parents and caregivers with essential literacy tools. She highlights the importance of early literacy, the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to books, and the incredible work being done by local organizations such as the Imagination Library and the Literacy Coalition.

Join us as we delve into practical tips, insightful discussions, and the significance of community collaboration in fostering a culture of reading. Madeline also shares her vision for expanding the podcast's reach, including an episode recorded in Spanish, to ensure that all families can benefit from the resources available.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make a difference in the literacy landscape of their community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow together!

00:00 Literacy Launchpad is a podcast dedicated to helping parents and children learn

01:26 Literacy Launch Pad Podcast features special guest Madeline Romer

02:42 Madeline Romer is a senior at Syracuse University studying education and literacy

03:22 You started thinking about starting a podcast as part of your civic engagement capstone project

06:18 SU's Citizenship and Civic Engagement Program focuses on improving literacy in communities

10:25 Syracuse's literacy rates are among the lowest in the country

15:34 You mentioned a couple of different organizations when you did this podcast

20:36 All of Madeline's interviews are recorded in audio format

21:33 One of the four episodes of the podcast was recorded entirely in Spanish

25:37 Endgame podcast started out as a passion project and also it led to impact

28:00 Madeline: I think everything that I've learned through this project has impacted me

30:39 We hope today's discussion has provided you with valuable insight on engaging young learners

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

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