About aMAYSingkids
Evidence
According to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), 71.4% of struggling readers reside in economically disadvantaged areas, 30.3% have disabilities, 4.6% English Language Learners, and over 50% attend high-needs schools. Studies show that students who are not proficient at reading by 3rd grade are three times more likely than their peers to not graduate on time. Speaking and listening come before reading and writing. In fact, oral language development is the foundation of written language and may be an early indicator of child’s ability in learning to read in write. Research suggests children begin with listening comprehension in grades Pre-K -5 and reading comprehension in grades 6-8 (ODE, 2022).
Our Vision
To prepare our youth to contribute to the community and become successful in a changing society while creating a pipeline to broadcasting.
Our Mission
aMAYSing Kids Broadcasting leverages broadcasting and mentorship to improve reading writing and communication skills. Our educational program to students of all ages, with an age-appropriate curriculum. While becoming prepared to be college and career-ready, students will utilize broadcasting and journalism to share creative stories with their peers by learning television, radio/podcasting, and music engineering. Programming intentionally served children where literacy and graduation rates are historically low.
Executive Director and Founder
Tisha Mays founded aMAYSing Kids Inc. in 2021. She began her broadcasting career at WJUC 107.3 radio in Toledo, Ohio after she graduated from the University of Akron (her hometown), in 2005 with a B.A. in Radio and Television Broadcasting. Tisha was a longtime on-air personality, Production Director, and Internship Coordinator. She is completing her PhD at Bowling Green State University, where she also earned her M.A. in Strategic Communication with a Specialization in Interactive Media. She also earned her a Teacher Education Degree from Eastern Gateway Community College.
She is a Lecturer at the University of Toledo and the Faculty Advisor for UToledo’s radio station WXUT 88.3. Tisha created and implemented courses: Audio I, Audio II, and The Art of Podcasting, and teaches Social Media I and II, and Communication Principles and Practices. She served as an advocate for students and served as an Equity Champion for the Student Experience Project. SEP is a collaboration of university leaders, faculty, researchers, and national education organizations committed to innovative, research-based practices to increase degree attainment by building equitable learning environments and fostering a sense of belonging on campus. She is the Faculty Advisor for the student-run radio station, 88.3 WXUT, and has served on department committees including Recruitment and Retention, Curriculum and Assessment, and employment searces. In addition, she continues to evolve and expand her research and served on national panels including, Recruitment and Retention During Covid Years and Beyond at the Broadcast Education Association, Black Voices in Podcasting and Why They Matter, and Teaching Audio Production. The panel focused on innovative ways to recruit and retain students and incorporate reading literacy broadcasting programs. She has hosted professional developent panels on child literacy, workforce development, and college pedagogy.
While working in radio she served in the community for many organizations, committees, and community events. Understanding that community is a priority she has collaborated with organizations and has served on many boards and committees including the YMCA of Greater Toledo, MLK Kitchen for the Poor, American Advertising Federation of Toledo (AAF), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), National Communication Association, Broadcast Education Association, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Tisha served as a substitute for Toledo Public Schools, which was her inspiration to create aMAYSing Kids Broadcasting and Media Mentorship Program. She took a special interest in understanding the reading gap and came up with a unique approach to get kids excited about reading. She is known for her enthusiasm, leadership, motivating personality, willingness to teach, and strives to serve our scholars. Most importantly, she is committed to our community and the development of our youth. aMAYSing Kids is offered in schools across the area partners with organizations and programs year-round. She also works with schools to develop and implement integrated media programs.
Our Site Coordinator/ Social Media Manager
Crystal Smith
aMAYSing Kids is thrilled to have Crystal Smith apart of the aMAYSing Kids Nation! She currently studying at the University of Toledo, getting her Bachelors in Media Communication. She has an AA in Political Science and an AS in General Studies of Sciences. She is eager to work with the youth and help out in her community.
Unlock Your Potential with aMAYSingkids Incorporated
Career Development
Take your career to the next level with our career development courses. From resume writing and job searching to interview preparation and networking, we offer courses that can help you achieve your career goals.
