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November 29, 2024 40 mins

In this episode of the Empower LEP Podcast, I sit down with Sam Young, M.Ed., the incredible founder and Head of School at Young Scholars Academy. Sam has built something truly special—a virtual enrichment school designed to help twice-exceptional, gifted, and neurodivergent students feel understood, supported, and genuinely excited about learning.

Sam brings such an inspiring perspective to this conversation, shaped by his own experiences as a neurodivergent person and his dedication to flipping the script on traditional education. He shares the journey of starting Young Scholars Academy, including how the challenges of the pandemic pushed him to create a space where students’ unique strengths and talents could shine. We talk about how his academy is redefining what education can be by offering innovative courses, camps, and a community that truly celebrates what makes each student special.

Our conversation explores some big questions—how do we create spaces where kids feel safe enough to explore their potential? Why is focusing on strengths so important? And what does it take to step out of the box and build something meaningful, whether that’s in education or your own career? Sam also opens up about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

This is such a great episode for educators, LEPs, parents, and anyone who’s passionate about supporting unique learners. Sam’s story is proof that with creativity, connection, and a lot of heart, we can make a real difference.

Listen to Episode 48 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoy the conversation, I’d love it if you’d subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps us reach even more people who care about making an impact!

Connect with Sam Young:
Email: sam@youngscholarsacademy.org
Website: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YSAENRICHMENT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young_scholars_academ

Connect with Empower LEP:
https://empowerlep.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerlep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerLEP/
and the Empower LEP Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583676341308649

The website for this show is https://empowerleppodcast.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you more inspiring stories for LEPs and supporting professionals.

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