Mabelvale Elementary EAST created the We Speak the Truth Podcast to give students a platform to discuss issues important to students and the community. Students wanted their voices heard and wanted opportunities to interview leaders and create change through meaningful conversations. This project later expanded into Reading Rocks at MES after students interviewed the Superintendent about the Reading in the Rock initiative and were challenged to help students read 20 minutes daily. CART Critical Thinking: Students also researched podcast production, branding, audience engagement, and sound design while developing professional communication and problem-solving skills to address technical challenges. Advanced: Students learned how to use Audacity for audio editing, Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, Canon cameras for recording interviews, and YouTube for publishing episodes. Real: Students interview community leaders and create media for a public audience. Teamwork: Students collaborate on recording, editing, graphics, promotion, and project planning. What Makes This Project Unique? This project is unique because it was completely student-inspired and student-led. The idea came from a second-grade student who attended EAST Podcast training and brought the idea back. Students created: The podcast name Intro and outro music YouTube channel Community Partners Little Rock School District City of Little Rock Partner Contacts Dr. Jamal Wright – LRSD Superintendent Stefanie Vestal - Little Rock School District Mayor Frank Scott Jr. – City of Little Rock Ms. Kindle – Community School Liaison Length of Time Project Has Been in Place The podcast began during the 2024–2025 school year and has continued growing during the 2025–2026 school year. The project is ongoing and continues to expand through: New podcast episodes Community partnerships Reading Rocks at MES Social Media Yes, we have promoted this project on social media through: YouTube Facebook Instagram Hashtags Used #MESEAST #WeSpeakTheTruth #EASTInitiative