302. Centering Student Agency Through Experiential Learning with Amy Besida
From Learning Unboxed by Annalies Corbin & NOVA Media
May 11, 2026 · 31 min
About this episode
Amy Besida discusses how Embarc fosters student agency through experiential learning.
In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Amy Besida, Chief Program Officer at Embarc, a Chicago-based organization helping schools bring learning beyond the classroom through real-world experiences, reflection, and community connection. Amy shares how Embarc grew from two teachers taking students outside their neighborhood into a full school-day model rooted in belonging, agency, and purpose. We talk about what it means to design experiences that help students understand who they are, what they value, and how they want to show up in the world. From corporate partner experiences to student reflection practices, Amy offers a thoughtful look at how schools can move beyond achievement culture and create learning that supports whole-human development. Join us to explore how experiential learning can help students feel seen, connected, and ready for what’s next. To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org We unbox: How Embarc began as a teacher-led effort at Harper High School in Chicago Why experiential learning helps students build agency, identity, and belonging How reflection turns real-world experiences into deeper learning What schools can measure beyond traditional…
People in this episode
Host: Annalies Corbin
Guest: Amy Besida
Topics covered
- experiential learning
- student agency
- whole-human development
- community connection
- education reform
Keywords
- student agency
- experiential learning
- community connection
- education
- identity
- reflection
- achievement culture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Embarc, Harper High School, pastfoundation.org
Places: Chicago
More episodes of Learning Unboxed
- 304. Build Community-Connected Learning Ecosystems with Laura Tavares · June 8, 2026 · 32 min
- 303. Let Children Lead Through Entrepreneurship with Leah Ellis · May 25, 2026 · 31 min
- 301. Build Student Voice Through Creativity with Betsy Potash · April 27, 2026 · 31 min
- 300. Design Learning That Sparks Confidence with Ashley Price · April 13, 2026 · 37 min
- 299. Reimagining Reading Through Visual Design with Hillary Summerbell · March 30, 2026 · 30 min
- 298. Reimagining Public Education Through Microschools with ECPPS Microschool · March 16, 2026 · 41 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Learning Unboxed podcast page.