In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, CEO and host Philip Clark sits down with Dr. Edward Anderson, Executive Director of Ontrack Greenville, to discuss the critical work of supporting students in high-poverty schools. On Track Greenville was founded eight years ago as a collaborative effort between Greenville County Schools and United Way to address student dropout rates, focusing on interventions that begin as early as middle school. The program tracks students' academic progress through Academics, Behavior, and Attendance - identifying potential challenges early and providing targeted support.

Dr. Anderson shares his powerful personal story of resilience, growing up in poverty with a mother who had him at 14 and facing numerous health challenges. His journey from a child with significant obstacles to becoming an educator and community leader highlights the transformative power of support systems and community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the critical importance of family involvement in education, with Dr. Anderson noting that there's a direct correlation between family engagement and student success, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The episode concludes with a passionate call to action for community involvement. Dr. Anderson stresses that supporting students is not just the responsibility of schools and teachers, but of the entire community. He encourages listeners to get involved through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting teachers, and invites everyone to learn more about On Track Greenville's mission at ontrackgreenville.org. The podcast underscores the organization's commitment to removing barriers for students in high-poverty schools and helping them achieve college and career success.

Dr. Anderson can be reached via email: responsiveedllc@gmail.com

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