Introduction to the Partnership
Rice University and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) are embarking on an exciting collaboration to strengthen the district’s Sunrise Centers. The Sunrise Centers provide a wide range of support services for students and families, including food, school supplies, mental health care, and job training.
Services Offered by Sunrise Centers
Currently, there are seven Sunrise Centers, each co-located with community organizations such as the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Youth Development Center. The HISD school board recently approved an eighth center, operated by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, with plans to expand to as many as 12 centers. Each center offers personalized case management and connects families to services like food pantries, clothing, school supplies, health care, therapy, and workforce development programs.
Accessibility of Sunrise Centers
Research conducted by Rice University’s Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC) confirmed that most HISD families can access a Sunrise Center within a 10-minute drive or a short walk from a bus stop. However, some high-need neighborhoods, such as Third Ward and Denver Harbor, have less access. To address this, HERC is collaborating with the district, using data to guide future site selection and transportation planning.
Future Plans and Goals
“Given that Sunrise Centers are now going to be the primary way HISD supports the needs of students and families, we hope that this research collaboration can help the district and its community partners create a strong program that puts critical services within reach of every student,” said Erin Baumgartner, director of HERC. Looking ahead, organizers noted the next phase of this partnership will explore how these services are linked to academic outcomes, including attendance, behavior, and achievement.
Conclusion
The partnership between Rice University and HISD has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of students and families in the district. By providing access to essential services and support, the Sunrise Centers can help level the playing field and give all students an equal chance to succeed. As the program continues to grow and expand, it will be exciting to see the positive effects it has on the community. With the help of Rice University’s research and expertise, the Sunrise Centers are poised to become a model for innovative and effective community support programs.
