Collaborating for Change:
Furr High School and Texas A&M University Partnership
Introduction
At Furr High School, our partnership with Texas A&M University has been a catalyst for transformative educational experiences. This collaboration provides students with unparalleled opportunities in citizen science, environmental studies, and connections to higher education. Led by Juan Elizondo, this partnership has enabled our students to explore new careers, gain insights into environmental solutions, and chart pathways to higher education. He spearheads professional development programs that emphasize place-based education. By touring the city, educators, students, and staff gain insights into the environmental, social, and cultural issues affecting their community, ensuring that learning is contextually relevant and impactful.
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A Shared Vision
Our partnership with Texas A&M University is driven by a mutual goal of empowering students through hands-on learning and practical experiences. By blending academic excellence with real-world applications, we aim to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields and become environmental stewards within their communities.
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Key Initiatives and Projects
1. Immersive Citizen Science Projects
Furr High School students engage in various citizen science initiatives alongside Texas A&M University experts. Key projects include:
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Soil Health Analysis: Students collect and study soil samples to understand local soil health and its ecological impact.
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Air Quality Research: Through community-based air monitoring, students gather and analyze data on air pollution and its public health implications.
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Urban Park Evaluations: Assessing the conditions and usage of local parks, students provide critical data for urban planning and community development.
These projects not only bolster data collection and environmental awareness but also kindle students' passion for scientific research and higher education.
2. Tackling Environmental Challenges
Together, we address pressing environmental issues like inland flooding, hurricane surges, and air quality degradation. Through the Resilience and Climate Change Cooperative Project (R3CP), students learn to mitigate environmental hazards and develop resilience strategies. This experiential learning empowers students to play active roles in creating sustainable futures for their communities​​.
3. Menstrual Health Initiative
In collaboration with Texas A&M's School of Public Health, we launched the Menstrual Health Needs Survey to address menstrual equity. This project includes:
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Needs Assessment: Identifying the prevalence of menstrual product scarcity and its impact on mental health and school attendance.
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Educational Programs: Developing and piloting peer education curricula to enhance menstrual health knowledge.
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Product Distribution: Engaging students in service learning to distribute menstrual health kits to those in need.
The survey's findings underscored the significant impact of menstrual inequity on student well-being and attendance, leading to targeted interventions​​​​​​.
Uplifting Our Portrait of a Graduate
Our partnership with Texas A&M University aligns seamlessly with Furr High School’s Portrait of a Graduate, which envisions students as:
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Skilled Communicators: Through projects like HTX Voices, students learn to effectively convey ideas and information, adapting their messages for diverse audiences. The Menstrual Health Initiative, for example, required students to present their findings and solutions to peers and community members, honing their communication skills.
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Critical Thinkers: Citizen science projects demand analytical thinking and problem-solving. Students assess environmental data, draw conclusions, and propose solutions, embodying the role of critical thinkers.
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Innovative Problem Solvers: Engaging in environmental justice projects, students develop innovative strategies to tackle local issues like air quality and flooding. This creativity is crucial in fostering resilience and sustainability​​.
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Community Leaders: By participating in initiatives that directly impact their community, students take on leadership roles, organizing events, distributing resources, and educating peers. The Menstrual Health Initiative, for example, involved students leading educational sessions and distributing menstrual kits, showcasing their leadership in promoting public health.
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Responsible Decision-Makers: Projects emphasize the social context of decisions, teaching students to consider the broader implications of their actions on the community and environment.
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Adaptable and Productive Individuals: Real-world projects require adaptability. Whether navigating the logistics of data collection or coordinating with community partners, students learn to be flexible and efficient in dynamic settings.
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College-Ready Learners: Exposure to higher education and professional environments through Texas A&M University prepares students for academic success beyond high school. Projects that involve complex scientific research or detailed surveys help students build the skills necessary for higher education.
Place-Based Learning
Place-based learning is at the heart of our partnership with Texas A&M University. By situating education in the context of students' own communities, we make learning relevant and impactful. Students explore their local environment, understand the challenges their community faces, and work on solutions that make a real difference. This approach not only enhances academic learning but also fosters a deep connection to their community and a sense of responsibility for its well-being.
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Bridging Careers and Higher Education
1. Mentorship and Professional Engagement
Our partnership offers students opportunities to interact with professors, researchers, and industry experts from Texas A&M University. These connections provide valuable insights into potential careers in science, environmental studies, and academia. Mentorship from these professionals helps guide students along their educational and career trajectories.
2. Pathways to Advanced Learning
The collaborative projects and initiatives expose students to higher education and research opportunities. By engaging in rigorous scientific studies and environmental projects, students are well-prepared for college and future careers in STEM fields.
3. Inspiring Future Leaders
Through these experiences, students develop a passion for discovery and problem-solving. Witnessing the tangible impact of their work on the environment and community inspires them to pursue majors and careers that contribute to societal well-being. This partnership instills a sense of purpose and ambition, motivating students to achieve their fullest potential.
Insights from Academic Publications
Our collaboration with Texas A&M University is further strengthened by several academic publications that provide a deeper understanding of our work:
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Citizen Science Informed Community Master Planning: This study highlights the role of citizen science in informing community planning processes. Students at Furr High School participated in data collection and analysis, contributing valuable insights that shaped local urban development strategies​​.
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Domestic Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: This research examined the environmental health risks associated with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban settings. Furr High School students were involved in air quality monitoring and data analysis, gaining firsthand experience in environmental health research​​.
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Interdisciplinary Citizen Science and Design Projects: This publication discusses the integration of citizen science with design thinking to address environmental challenges. Our students collaborated with Texas A&M University researchers on projects that combined scientific inquiry with creative problem-solving, resulting in innovative solutions for community issues​​.
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Impacts of Exposure to Environmental Risks: This study explored the effects of environmental risks on public health, with a focus on underserved communities. Furr High School students engaged in data collection and community outreach, raising awareness about environmental justice and advocating for policy changes .
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Confirming Environmental Concerns in Manchester: This research focused on validating the environmental concerns of the Manchester community through participatory-based research. Furr High School students, in collaboration with Texas A&M researchers, collected water samples and conducted surveys to assess the levels of heavy metals in the local environment. The findings confirmed community concerns about industrial pollution and its impact on health, demonstrating the importance of community involvement in environmental research​​.
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The Community in Work: This chapter describes the significant impact of community-based organizations and their collaboration with Furr High School and Texas A&M University. It highlights the on-the-ground work in Houston’s underserved neighborhoods, addressing social vulnerabilities, environmental risks, and the importance of public investment. Engaging students in meaningful community projects and fostering civic participation​​.
These academic publications not only validate the significance of our projects but also demonstrate the impact of student contributions on advancing scientific knowledge and community well-being.
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Impact and Achievements
The outcomes of our partnership with Texas A&M University have been profound:
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Increased Student Engagement: Hands-on projects and real-world applications enhance student motivation and investment in learning.
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Career Preparedness: Students acquire practical skills and experience, positioning them for successful careers in STEM and environmental fields.
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Community Enhancement: By addressing local challenges and contributing to environmental solutions, students drive positive community transformation.
Insight from Focus Groups
Feedback from focus groups with educators, students, and partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants highlight the value of experiential learning, the benefits of mentorship, and the importance of addressing real-world challenges. These insights continue to shape and improve our partnership initiatives.
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Conclusion
Juan Elizondo’s unwavering dedication to educational transformation is the driving force behind our successful partnership with Texas A&M University. His commitment to community engagement and innovative education ensures that students receive a comprehensive and impactful learning experience. As the Director of Partnerships, Elizondo continues to foster meaningful collaborations and drive educational excellence.Our partnership with Texas A&M University is a cornerstone of Furr High School’s educational mission. By providing students with unique opportunities to engage in citizen science, connect with experts, and explore potential careers, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Together, we are building a brighter future for our students and our community.
Join us in celebrating the achievements of Furr High School and supporting our mission to transform education through meaningful partnerships.
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For more information, please visit Texas A&M University Partnership.