Discover how faith, mentorship, and community leadership can shape the lives of today’s youth. In this episode of the BPUE Up For the Challenge Podcast, we spotlight The Rock Learning Center’s inspiring work and discuss practical ways pastors and parents—regardless of background—can empower young people. Tune in for real stories, actionable advice, and encouragement for families and faith leaders committed to making a difference.

Key Topics Covered: - The mission and impact of The Rock Learning Center in the community - Why mentorship matters: stories of transformation and growth - The role of faith in supporting youth development - Practical ways pastors and parents can get involved and make a difference - Building bridges across different backgrounds and faith communities - Encouragement for families and leaders facing today’s challenges

Notable Quotes: - “Mentorship is not just guidance—it’s an investment in the future.” - “Faith communities have a unique power to uplift and unite.” - “Every parent and pastor can be a catalyst for change.”

Action Steps & Resources: - Learn more about The Rock Learning Center or Black Pastors United for Education and how to support our mission. - Explore mentorship programs in your local community. - Connect pastors and parents with BPUE for resources, support, and upcoming events

Connect with Us: - Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes on education, faith, politics, leadership, and community - Share your thoughts or questions for future episodes - Follow BPUE on all of our social media platforms for updates and inspiration

In the second episode of the "Up for the Challenge" podcast, host Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, Senior Pastor of The Rock Church in Harrisburg, PA, and Founder and CEO of Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE), engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Irvin Scott, Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Together, they explore pressing issues surrounding education in America, focusing on equity, leadership, and the transformative power of faith-based initiatives in educational reform.

About Rev. Joshua C. Robertson:

Rev. Joshua C. Robertson is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment. Alongside his wife, Shaniqua Robertson, he established The Rock Church, a community committed to evangelizing, equipping, and empowering individuals. In response to escalating crime, violence, and underperformance among youth, he founded The Rock City Learning Center, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 7 to 18 to focus on their studies and personal growth. Building on this initiative, Rev. Robertson launched Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE), a network of like-minded pastors and congregations that strategically partner to educate under-resourced children in non-traditional learning spaces and advocate for necessary resources and partnerships to uplift impoverished communities.

About Dr. Irvin Scott:

Dr. Irvin Scott is a Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he focuses on Educational Leadership. Before joining Harvard, he served as the deputy director for K–12 education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, leading significant initiatives to transform teacher recruitment, development, and reward systems. Dr. Scott began his career as an English teacher and choral director, later becoming the principal of McCaskey East High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he led efforts to reform the 3,200-student high school into smaller learning communities. He holds degrees from Millersville University, Temple University, and Harvard University.

Listeners are encouraged to support Black Pastors United for Education by visiting www.bpue.org.

In the debut episode of Up For the Challenge, host Rev. Joshua C. Robertson sits down with renowned scholar, activist, and philosopher Dr. Cornel West to discuss the education crisis in America. Dr. West, a prominent public intellectual and former professor at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, brings his deep insights on race, democracy, and social justice to the conversation.

Rev. Joshua C. Robertson, a leading voice in Black Pastors United for Education, has dedicated his work to advocating for equitable education and empowering communities through faith and action. Together, they examine the systemic challenges facing students, particularly in underserved communities, and explore solutions to bridge the educational divide. This thought-provoking discussion sets the stage for the podcast’s mission: tackling tough issues with faith, wisdom, and a commitment to change.

www.bpue.org