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Education

HISD recognizes Amanda Williams as Star Educator for impact at Fondren Middle School

Fondren Middle School's Amanda Williams is dedicated to impacting her students positively and observing their development. Last school year, as a sixth-grade social studies teacher, her dedication earned her the title of Campus Teacher of the Year. This year, she continues to excel in her role as an English Language Development Interventionist for the New Education System (NES) campus and has been recognized as HISD Star Educator of the week.


Education

University collaboration awards grants for innovative energy projects

The University of Houston (UH) and Scotland's Heriot-Watt University (HWU) have initiated a collaborative effort by awarding seed grants to six energy projects aimed at developing innovative solutions. This initiative is part of the "UH2HWU" program, established after a memorandum of understanding between the two universities. The selected projects focus on diverse areas, including hydrogen sensing technology and waste conversion into sustainable products.


Education

HISD names diverse bond oversight committee for proposed projects

Houston Independent School District (HISD) has announced the members of its Bond Oversight Committee, which will oversee the progress and implementation of a proposed bond. The committee comprises 13 members and two alternates, all residents and taxpayers within HISD. The committee members come from diverse fields including accounting, construction, engineering, government, education, law, finance, edtech, and energy.


Education

Nicolás Kanellos receives National Humanities Medal from President Biden

For over 40 years, Nicolás Kanellos of the University of Houston has been instrumental in promoting Latino stories through various literary forms. His work spans directing Arte Público Press and the Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage initiative while serving as a full-time faculty member at UH. Today, his contributions were recognized with a National Humanities Medal awarded by U.S. President Joe Biden.


Education

Survey shows Democrats leading in key Harris County races

Harris County is leaning towards Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections for key countywide offices, according to a survey by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. The election is scheduled for November 5, with early voting beginning on October 21.


Education

University of Houston launches radio show and webinars on energy challenges

The University of Houston's Energy Transition Institute (ETI) is set to launch two educational initiatives aimed at addressing the evolving energy landscape. The first, a radio show titled "Driving the Energy Transition," will begin broadcasting on October 21 on KUHF News 88.7, with new episodes released every two weeks. Concurrently, an Energy Transition Webinar series will commence on October 22, providing online discussions featuring experts from UH and other institutions.


Education

University of Houston launches "Can't Stop Us" reputational marketing campaign

The University of Houston has initiated a new multi-year marketing campaign, titled "Can’t Stop Houston. Can’t Stop Us," aimed at enhancing its reputation and showcasing the achievements of its community. This campaign seeks to propel the university towards its goal of becoming one of the top 50 public universities in the United States.


Education

University of Houston promotes mental health through running event

When Amber Blackwell, a first-year Ph.D. student at the University of Houston, arrived in July, she sought a running community for mental health benefits. As a research assistant from Los Angeles in the College of Education, she quickly found several movement-based student organizations on campus.


Education

NSF grants aim to boost STEM education equity in Houston

Two new grants from the National Science Foundation have been awarded to the Cullen College of Engineering. These grants aim to dismantle barriers that hinder low-income and underrepresented students from engaging in STEM education, contributing to a more inclusive learning environment. The projects focus on supporting postdoctoral researchers aiming for careers in engineering/STEM education and providing opportunities for young students. They will build on the partnership between the University of Houston (UH) and Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood.


Education

Joint technical conference explores advances in clean energy solutions

The University of Houston and the University of Utah are set to host the 2024 Joint Technical Conference, focusing on energy geosciences and the energy transition. The event will explore recent advancements in oil and gas, carbon management, hydrogen, renewable energy integration, and geothermal energy.


Education

HISD honors Dr. Luis Landa as star educator for leadership achievements

Dr. Luis Landa, who has been recognized as the HISD Star Educator for this week, served as the principal of Sharpstown International High School for two years before taking on the role of Executive Director of Feeder for HISD’s West Division. During his tenure at Sharpstown, he facilitated significant achievement growth and is known for his dedication to students and staff. He believes that everyone at Sharpstown has the potential for greatness.


Education

University of Houston poll shows Trump leading Harris in Texas

With the presidential election approaching, a University of Houston survey indicates that former President Donald Trump is leading Vice President Kamala Harris in Texas. The poll, conducted by the Hobby School of Public Affairs, shows Trump with 51% support among likely voters compared to Harris's 46%. These figures remain consistent with an earlier survey from August.


Education

University of Houston stages immersive play on social issues at Schroeder Park

The University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance is set to present "Safe at Home," a theatrical production by Gabriel Greene and Alex Levy, this November. The performance will take place at Schroeder Park, the university's baseball stadium, supported by the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts.


Education

University of Houston recruits top researchers through Presidential Frontier Faculty initiative

The University of Houston (UH) is continuing its nearly century-long tradition of fostering innovation through a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing faculty excellence. The Presidential Frontier Faculty (PFF) initiative, launched in 2022 under the guidance of UH President Renu Khator, seeks to recruit 100 top researchers to the campus. These scholars are selected for their interdisciplinary research that addresses global societal challenges and their role in mentoring future professionals.


Education

Teach for America Houston announces winners of 2024 Virani Distinguished School Leader Award

Teach for America Houston has announced the recipients of the 2024 Virani Distinguished School Leader Award.


Education

HISD leaders advocate for bond proposal

Education non-profit organization Houstonians for Great Public Schools (Houston GPS) has brought attention to statements from several Houston Independent School District (HISD) leaders supporting the district's Propositions A & B.


Education

University of Houston honored with Barefoot and Gardner Award for supporting student success

The University of Houston (UH) has been recognized with the 2024 Barefoot and Gardner Award, presented by the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. This award is given annually to institutions that support historically underrepresented students, highlighting UH's commitment to academic innovation and student success.


Education

Houston ISD announces plans to destroy old special education records

The Records and Information Management Department of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) has announced its intention to destroy certain educational records. These records, which contain personally identifiable information, were kept to provide educational services for students who qualified for special education.


Education

HISD launches USDA-funded fruit program for 40,000 elementary students

HISD Nutrition Services has initiated another year of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), funded by the USDA. The program aims to provide free fresh produce snacks and in-class nutrition lessons to elementary school students twice a week. This initiative seeks to introduce new fruits and vegetables to students, helping them build healthy eating habits.


Education

Karl A. Hearne leads University of Houston's staff council for 2024-25

Meet Karl A. Hearne, the University of Houston's Staff Council president for the 2024-25 academic year. His journey began with Cougar First Impressions during his student years at UH, leading him to professional development and leadership roles within the university.