Community Engagement
Enhancing Science Education in the Rio Grande Valley
The Community Engagement Core works closely with the Rio Grande Valley Science Association (RGVSA) to support and enhance science education for Hispanic youth in the Rio Grande Valley by helping to facilitate an annual conference for science teachers, bringing teacher training and in-service to local school districts, and by coordinating the Summer Science Internships (SSI) connecting top high school students with research mentors at local institutions. The SSI is a collaborative project of the School of Public Health, University of Texas, Brownsville/Texas Southmost College and University of Texas, Pan American.
Hispanic Health Research Center’s Community Advisory Board
The Community Engagement Core also facilitates the HHRC Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB’s membership consists of community members, representatives from school, church, local government, social service/health and the business sector. The quarterly CAB meetings provide a connection between the HHRC and the community, accountability, cultural context and crucial local input that help guide research priorities.
Research in the Community Mini-Grants
Selected by a review panel of Community Advisory Board members, annual grants are given to local community organizations, schools, and other non-profits to pilot, evaluate, or enhance programs to address obesity, diabetes and health disparities.
BISD-Cromack Elementary School--School Wellness Program
Casa Juan Diego—Promotora Home--based Health Education Program
Healthy Communities of Brownsville—Healthy Restaurant Choice Campaign;
Proyecto Azteca—Colonia Health Literacy Project
Brownsville Community Health Center—Diabetes Support Group
Centro Ursulino—Multi-faceted Diabetes Project
Healthy Communities of Brownsville--Health Literacy Forum
