Second cohort completes School of Public Health Together for a Better Tomorrow program

Nineteen South Texas high school students and their parents were recognized in November for completing this year’s Together for a Better Tomorrow (TBT) program that trains “community scientists” in environmental health and water security in colonias across the Rio Grande Valley.

All 19 students received a laptop computer at a ceremony in their honor, and four were awarded academic scholarships. Their parents received certificates acknowledging their own participation and support of their children.

“TBT teaches families to identify and overcome environmental health risks to create healthier communities,” said Lindsay Sansom, PhD, an environmental health expert with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health and TBT co-director.

TBT is part of the larger Safe Water Project funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., and conducted by the Texas A&M School of Public Health to find sustainable solutions for critical water quality and public health challenges in colonias in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties.

Through six intensive sessions over two months, the high school students engaged in university-level learning experiences that introduced them to public health, environmental health, water and soil quality, community advocacy and public health strategies.

They also toured a water treatment plant, collected water and soil samples in their neighborhoods, learned how contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides affect health, and practiced EPA-approved sampling and testing methods.

“In addition, we want these students to think about going to college,” said Garett Sansom, DrPH, an environmental health expert with the School of Public Health and project co-leader. “They toured a university campus and worked alongside promotores—trusted community leaders in health care and social services—and other local leaders to learn how community-driven science can lead to meaningful change.”

Their parents attended sessions on emotional well-being, diabetes prevention, college access and scholarships, community health services and strategies for supporting their children throughout educational and community-based projects. These were led by South Texas College, ACCESS Clinic, the Texas A&M School of Public Health, Proyecto Azteca, Mujeres Unidas, ARISE and local clinicians.

Others involved with the project were Luis Gómez, TBT co-founder and assistant director, and doctoral student Kayla Morales. The Safe Water Project is co-led by Garett Sansom and Texas A&M epidemiologist Taehyun Roh, PhD.