Back to School
University of Houston Celebrates a Decade of Helping Kids in Need at Mayor’s Back to School Fest
As the dog days of summer start to dwindle, there’s an inevitable realization for children across Houston: fall is coming, and with it, a new school year. But too many families don’t have the resources to adequately prepare children to return to the classroom, and they need help.
Building on its unwavering commitment to community service, the University of Houston proudly celebrated 10 years of helping economically disadvantaged elementary school students get ready to go back to school through the Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Diane Z. Chase (fourth from right), UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, joins dignitaries from the city of Houston and Shell Energy to cut the ribbon for the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Diane Z. Chase (fourth from right), UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, joins dignitaries from the city of Houston and Shell Energy to cut the ribbon for the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Cougar band members perform during the welcome ceremony at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Cougar band members perform during the welcome ceremony at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
25,000 children attending the event received backpacks loaded with school supplies.
25,000 children attending the event received backpacks loaded with school supplies.
UH was represented by more than 250 volunteers from 14 colleges and departments who provided much-needed services, including immunization checks and hearing and vision screenings.
UH was represented by more than 250 volunteers from 14 colleges and departments who provided much-needed services, including immunization checks and hearing and vision screenings.
“The University of Houston is thrilled to be a partner in the city’s premier back to school event. It’s not only a time to celebrate the start of a new school year, but also an opportunity to come together as a community to connect, bond and build relationships that will carry us through the year ahead.”
The August 5 event, organized by the city of Houston Mayor’s Office, provided 25,000 students with free backpacks loaded with school supplies and access to other services.
“We take great pride in serving our surrounding communities and we are thrilled to have been able to partner with the Mayor’s Back to School Fest for the tenth year in a row,” said Jason Smith, UH vice president for government and community relations. “Through programs like this we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these young students and build a brighter future for Houston and beyond.”
More than 250 UH volunteers from 14 academic colleges and departments participated in the event, providing critical services that some Houston families can’t get on their own, including vision and hearing screenings, immunization checks and other wellness exams.
“Blood pressure screenings are one of the most important things we do here,” said Hunter Adam, a third-year College of Pharmacy student from Montgomery, Texas. “We know a lot of parents don’t have time to do it regularly, so it’s great that we can provide this service for them and give them some peace of mind.”
“We try to meet kids where they are in the community to make it easier for them to get these screenings,” said Brandi Becoats, a second-year doctoral student from Nashville, Tennessee, and a licensed speech-language pathologist. “We want to catch any problems early so when they go back to school, they will already have the programs in place to help them be successful.”
Adrian Velasco, a fourth-year student in the College of Optometry, was part of a team providing vision screenings for students. Any child who failed a screening was scheduled for a follow-up eye exam on the spot.
“I enjoy working with kids, seeing the smile on their face and trying to make it a fun experience,” said Velasco. “If we notice any potential issues, we’ll give them a voucher to come see us at our clinic on campus.”
Hunter Adam, a third-year pharmacy student, provides a blood pressure screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Hunter Adam, a third-year pharmacy student, provides a blood pressure screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
A student volunteer from the UH Communication Sciences and Disorders department provides a hearing screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
A student volunteer from the UH Communication Sciences and Disorders department provides a hearing screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Adrian Velasco, a fourth-year optometry student, provides a vision screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Adrian Velasco, a fourth-year optometry student, provides a vision screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
The August 5 event, organized by the city of Houston Mayor’s Office, provided 25,000 students with free backpacks loaded with school supplies and access to other services.
“We take great pride in serving our surrounding communities and we are thrilled to have been able to partner with the Mayor’s Back to School Fest for the tenth year in a row,” said Jason Smith, UH vice president for government and community relations. “Through programs like this we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these young students and build a brighter future for Houston and beyond.”
More than 250 UH volunteers from 14 academic colleges and departments participated in the event, providing critical services that some Houston families can’t get on their own, including vision and hearing screenings, immunization checks and other wellness exams.
“Blood pressure screenings are one of the most important things we do here,” said Hunter Adam, a third-year College of Pharmacy student from Montgomery, Texas. “We know a lot of parents don’t have time to do it regularly, so it’s great that we can provide this service for them and give them some peace of mind.”
“We try to meet kids where they are in the community to make it easier for them to get these screenings,” said Brandi Becoats, a second-year doctoral student from Nashville, Tennessee, and a licensed speech-language pathologist. “We want to catch any problems early so when they go back to school, they will already have the programs in place to help them be successful.”
Adrian Velasco, a fourth-year student in the College of Optometry, was part of a team providing vision screenings for students. Any child who failed a screening was scheduled for a follow-up eye exam on the spot.
“I enjoy working with kids, seeing the smile on their face and trying to make it a fun experience,” said Velasco. “If we notice any potential issues, we’ll give them a voucher to come see us at our clinic on campus.”
Hunter Adam, a third-year pharmacy student, provides a blood pressure screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Hunter Adam, a third-year pharmacy student, provides a blood pressure screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
A student volunteer from the UH Communication Sciences and Disorders department provides a hearing screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
A student volunteer from the UH Communication Sciences and Disorders department provides a hearing screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Adrian Velasco, a fourth-year optometry student, provides a vision screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Adrian Velasco, a fourth-year optometry student, provides a vision screening at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Rebecca Negri, marketing and outreach coordinator for the UH Health Family Care Center, speaks with kids about the importance of nutrition.
Rebecca Negri, marketing and outreach coordinator for the UH Health Family Care Center, speaks with kids about the importance of nutrition.
Student and staff volunteers from UH's Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing provided educational activities for kids at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Student and staff volunteers from UH's Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing provided educational activities for kids at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
UH student and staff volunteers helped hundreds of Houston elementary school students get ready to go back to school by providing health and wellness checks and screenings.
UH student and staff volunteers helped hundreds of Houston elementary school students get ready to go back to school by providing health and wellness checks and screenings.
Student volunteers from the College of Pharmacy set up several stations with education displays and gifts for the children.
Student volunteers from the College of Pharmacy set up several stations with education displays and gifts for the children.
Students and staff from the UH College of Pharmacy perform immunization checks for children and their families at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
Students and staff from the UH College of Pharmacy perform immunization checks for children and their families at the Mayor's Back to School Fest.
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