In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we sit down with Penny Austen, co-founder and Executive Director of ThinkGive, to explore what kids really need to thrive as they head back to school. Beyond academics, social-emotional learning helps young people understand themselves, build meaningful relationships, navigate challenges, and develop confidence.
Penny shares how ThinkGive turns empathy, gratitude, and kindness into action, why connection with peers and trusted adults is so important, and how educators and caregivers can create spaces where kids feel seen and supported. Together, we explore why these skills provide a foundation young people will carry with them far beyond the classroom.