LUCERNE VALLEY, Calif. — On December 10, Lucerne Valley students will learn about the growth mindset and grit from Blake Brandes, who has a doctorate in hip-hop and global youth cultures, and is a TEDx speaker and international youth motivational speaker.
Brandes will present the work of Carol Dweck and Angela Duckworth in a fun, accessible manner that empowers children of all ages. The presentation will include age-appropriate and engaging growth mindset and grit lessons infused with beat-boxing, comedic storytelling, and family-friendly freestyle rapping.
“When students adopt a growth mindset, they become more resilient when facing challenges at school and at home, are less likely to give up, and believe more in their power to learn new things,” said Blake Brandes.
Brandes will give two 45-minute motivational assemblies during the morning at Lucerne Valley Middle High School. At 1 p.m., he will present a 30-minute K-2 motivational assembly and another 45-minute 3-6 motivational assembly at 2 p.m. at Lucerne Valley Elementary School.
Marsha Jones, associate superintendent of Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas, said, “Blake Brandes uses his talents as a hip-hop artist to capture the imagination of students and encourages them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. He is very skilled at reaching into the hearts and minds of students as he engages them in thinking about the endless possibilities for future success.”
Through a demonstration of his passion for beatboxing and freestyle rap, along with stories of his own struggle to achieve his goals, Brandes brings energy and enthusiasm to the stage that allows him to connect with students. Brandes has given this presentation to thousands of students across the country, and is currently scheduled to visit over 118 schools in 12 states to reach over 71,000 students during the 2018-2019 school year.
Brandes is a TEDx speaker, America’s Got Talent performer, co-founder of the personal development company, Motivational Millennial, and co-host of the Motivational Millennial Podcast. With a Ph.D. in hip-hop and global youth cultures, Blake presents Growth Mindset, Grit, and Empathy assemblies to help students “Remix Your Reality,” which is also the name of his recently released motivational hip-hop album.
Brandes also was the recipient of the Marshall Scholarship, one of the most competitive postgraduate awards in the world, and he regularly coaches young people on how to create lives filled with passion, resilience, and success. Learn more at www.blakebrandes.com.
Photo Credit: Joe Martinez Photography