Youth Development and Programs

Morris County Collaborative and its partners are dedicated to improving the social determinants of health and reducing the incidence of adverse childhood experiences for everyone in Morris County. Our diverse coalition of more than 12 agencies in the Northeast Texas region meets monthly for panel discussions, workshops, and activity planning to improve the lives of every child in Northeast Texas.

Student Voices

Their Perspectives on How Schools Are and Should Be

The importance of safety, connection and belonging are increasingly acknowledged as important foundations for academic and social emotional success at school. Yet we rarely ask students themselves what their experience of school is, what works and doesn't work for them, or what schools might do differently to support their learning and growth. TLPI recently completed this report from eight "Listening and Learning Sessions" with 73 secondary students in urban public schools. We asked students What do you need in order to do well in school? What could your school do differently to help you do well? and How should your schools be assessed...

The Morris County Collaborative Youth Development Task Force will ask similar questions to the youth in our community. Our aim is to engage our youth to be more involved in their community, in decisions that involve them, and be more accountable to the outcomes that affect their community. By working together with youth, listening to their input, and caring about what they feel, we can begin a healing process that will create positive outcomes.