Futbolito and Beyond

Futbolito and Beyond: Programs, Policies, and Community Partnerships for Promoting Physical Activity in Schools

This event aims to promote and advance school-based physical activity initiatives while addressing broader challenges in promoting physical activity among children, particularly in underserved communities. Experts and stakeholders will gather to explore evidence-based solutions, best practices, and policy frameworks aimed at increasing physical activity participation in schools. This discussion will also spotlight after-school programs like Futbolito for All, launched in Houston with the potential for expansion across Texas. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Galena Park ISD. Dynamo & Dash Charities, UTHealth Houston, and Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

This event is co-sponsored by UTHealth Houston and the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy.

Panel: Policy and Surveillance: Shaping the Future of School-Based Physical Activity

and Physical Education

The panel will examine how culturally relevant programs like Futbolito for All can boost health and physical activity among Latino children and how they can be scaled to other underserved areas. Panelists will also explore how policy and surveillance frameworks can develop and expand school-based physical activity programs, ensuring they are sustainable and impactful. They will highlight preliminary findings on the program’s feasibility, adaptability and effectiveness in real-world settings.

Moderator:

Christopher Kulesza, PhD

Child Health Policy Scholar, Baker Institute, Rice University

Panelists

Hazel Zavala

School Counselor, Galena Park Middle School

Valerie Holland

Executive Director of Dynamo and Dash Charities,VP Community Engagement

Mechelle Epps, Ed.D

Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, Galena Park ISD

Sandra McKay, MD, FAAP

Associate Professor, Director, Community and General Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston; Huffington Fellow, Baker Institute, Rice University

Katarina Reyes M.Ed

Research Manager, Baker Institute, Rice University

Info: Light bites will be served

Info: Sandra McKay, MD, FAAP
Associate Professor, Director, Community and General Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston; Huffington Fellow, Baker Institute, Rice University

Info: Introduction & Remarks:
Mary Aitken MD, MPH, FAAP
Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth Houston
Presenter:
Andrea Ramirez Varela, MD, MPH, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston

Info: Commissioner Adrian Garcia,
Harris County Precinct 2

Info: Andrea Ramirez Varela, MD, MPH, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston

Christopher Kulesza, PhD
Baker Institute Fellow, Baker Institute, Rice University

Host or Publisher UTHealth Houston, Rice University Baker Institute