DSU & Appoquinimink School District partner on podcast workshop series for families
Delaware State University reaffirmed its commitment to community partnerships over the summer by hosting a podcast workshop series in collaboration with the Appoquinimink School District’s Dual-Language Immersion programs. The project was designed for parents of immersion students and highlighted DSU’s resources, expertise and dedication to building stronger family-school connections.
As part of the summer initiative, DSU provided professional recording studios, equipment, and technical and logistical support. Faculty experts joined district coordinators and immersion teachers to record conversations that addressed parent questions, offered strategies for supporting students at home, highlighted cultural insights and explored how immersion opens doors to future opportunities.
The project was also a collaboration between the Department of Languages and Literatures and the Department of Mass Communications, Visual and Performing Arts under CHESS, showing how DSU departments can work together on innovative, community-focused projects.
“Our role as a state university is to serve families and schools in our community,” said Dr. Yi Zhang, DSU associate professor and director of ESL programs. “Through projects like this, we can use our facilities and expertise to open meaningful conversations and support language learning at every level.”
Together, DSU and the district produced four podcast episodes. Three were recorded in DSU’s studios, and a craft-focused episode was filmed at the university’s TV station. All are now available on the district and immersion program websites. The episodes can be found online at the Appoquinimink School District’s site: apposchooldistrict.com.
- Colors, Flowers, and Hidden Meanings: Understanding Cultures
- Beyond the Hurdles: Building a Bright Future for Immersion Students
- Smart Tools, Smarter Learners: How Digital Technologies Support Language Learning
- From Kitchen to Craft Table: Bringing Chinese and Hispanic Traditions Home
District leaders praised the partnership. Dr. Sarah R. Vieni-Vento, world language and immersion senior coordinator at Appoquinimink, said, “DSU’s involvement demonstrates to our families that immersion is not just about learning another language. It’s about culture, creativity and lifelong opportunity.”
The summer series carried the slogan “Language, Learning, Laughter, Love,” underscoring that the podcasts were designed to be easy for families to enjoy at home, in the car or on the go.
With the episodes now live, DSU plans to continue its role as a partner for immersion schools and families. Additional podcast themes are already in development, giving parents and students more opportunities to hear real voices, real stories and real support powered by Delaware State University.