During this episode we share how the VELA fund is supporting educational entrepreneurs. They specifically specialize educational experiences that are out of the box. In 2010 at one of my daughter's pediatric appointments her doctor advised me to homeschool. The thought changed my children's first academic experiences and increased my love for education.

African Proverb

"In Kijita (Wajita) there is a proverb which says "Omwana ni wa bhone," meaning regardless of a child's biological parent(s) its upbringing belongs to the community (source).

Please tweet us using the #cleverlychangingpodcast to tell us what this proverb means to you or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you think this African Proverb means.

Word of the Episode

Adore means medicine in the Twi language from Ghana.

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Grown Folks Talking with, Meredith Olson, the President of the VELA Education Fund

Meredith Olson was appointed President of the VELA Education Fund in 2021. She was familiar to the organization and previously served as a founding member of VELA’s Board. Meredith stated, “The pandemic has dramatically increased awareness of unconventional, human-centered education models, and as VELA plots its course for 2021, I am committed to accelerating adoption by more families and communities.”

The VELA Education fund is committed to the community and has awarded more than $3.6 million to accelerate education innovation and opportunity for every learner.

Meredith is the mother of four children, two of her children are twins. As you will hear during the podcast, she is excited to help fund innovative educational ideas. In addition to wearing many hats, Olson also actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of Rainbows United Inc. and is currently board chair at WSU Tech.

BOOKS BY TODD ROSE

The End of Average 

Dark Horse

Collective Illusions

VELA Education Fund is Supporting Educational Entrepreneurs

If you want to learn more about how the VELA Education fund supporting educational entrepreneurs please visit their website below. The VELA Education Fund is a  micro grant program, that provides seed funding to early-stage, non-traditional education models created by everyday entrepreneurs – parents, educators, community leaders, and even students.

Connect with Vela Education Fund

• Website: VelaFund.org
• Facebook: VelaEdFund
• Instagram: @velaedfund
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCEts4U-PzzulEsSpuC9dA

Here are some of the questions that this episode explored.

1. What led you to start the VELA education in 2020?
2. What were some educational experiences that encouraged you to value thinking outside the box and learning in unconventional ways while growing up?
3. Why are non-traditional educational opportunities critical for people today?
4. What are two of the most unusual concepts submitted by grantees you've funded? 
5. To date, you've been able to award over 11 million dollars to educational organizations and groups, what are you most proud of the VELA has done in the community?
6. What types of results have you seen from grant awardees?
7. We know that VELA receives many applicants, and everyone isn't awarded. What are you looking for most when considering funding an organization's project or idea?
8. As the founder, what is most fulfilling about running this organization?
9. How can people in the community best support the work you do?
10. Where should people go to connect with you and the VELA Education Fund?

Shareable quote: "I am passionate about this work because too many children do not have access to education that develops their individual talents and interests, and instead just passes them through the standardized system, leading to disengagement and underachievement" (source). 

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