Tommy Brewer II on Real Partnerships & Changing the Odds for Kids | Ep. 71

What does a real partnership with schools look like? Tommy Brewer II of Think Education joins Brad Crihfield to talk about student success, meaningful connection, and changing the odds for kids. In Episode 71 of the Brick By Brick Podcast, Brad and Tommy explore how schools and community partners can work together beyond a transaction. They discuss developing the whole student, giving young people a real voice, expanding access to after-school enrichment and sports, and creating space to try new ideas—including AI and career pathways. Tommy is Think Education’s SVP, Partner Success & Innovation. He shares his journey from the classroom to expanded learning, and how listening to students, families, and school leaders can help turn shared goals into meaningful opportunities. CHAPTERS 00:00 Real partnership starts with knowing people 00:36 Meet Tommy Brewer II 02:35 Think Education: changing the odds for kids 04:41 How school partnerships grow 06:13 California’s investment in expanded learning 08:51 The human side of education systems 11:01 Building relationships beyond transactions 15:28 Developing the whole student 18:56 Giving students a meaningful voice 19:47 AI, career pathways, and trying new ideas 24:01 The Innovation Lab and community programs 27:10 Expanding access to sports and enrichment 29:09 Think Education, Think Together, and staffing 32:43 Solving challenges through real conversation 34:10 Adding Tommy’s brick to the wall 34:52 Connecting people and building community CONNECT Think Education: https://thinkeducation.org/ More BXB clips:   / bxb.podcast   Brad Crihfield:   / bradthebrick   What makes a school-community partnership meaningful to you? Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to the Brick By Brick Podcast for more conversations that build community. #BrickByBrickPodcast #ThinkEducation #StudentSuccess