Pearland ISD is partnering with UTHealth Houston on a new program designed to help students better understand mental health and encourage more open conversations about it.
The district’s Board of Trustees approved the agreement with UTHealth Houston’s Department of Psychiatry during its Sept. 8 meeting.
The program, called Youth Aware of Mental Health, or YAM, will give Pearland ISD students the opportunity to participate in five sessions, each lasting about 45 to 60 minutes.
What is the YAM program?
UTHealth Houston’s Risk and Resilience Network will lead the sessions, which are designed to increase mental health awareness among adolescents.
The program uses interactive lessons and activities focused on skills including:
Problem-solving
Emotional intelligence
Self-awareness
Empathy
Listening
Understanding different perspectives
UTHealth Houston will provide the program materials, as well as a YAM facilitator and an assistant.
No cost to Pearland ISD
According to district documents, the partnership will have no financial impact on Pearland ISD.
The agreement will remain in effect through the end of June 2028.
Pearland ISD already offers mental health resources for students, including student support counselors at its junior high and high school campuses, along with counseling and crisis-response services.
The new partnership adds another opportunity for students to learn about mental health, build coping and communication skills and have conversations about issues they may be experiencing.
Breaking News Alerts
More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.