WHAT IS A POD?

  • A Pod is a regional coalition supported by the Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN) that brings together organizations and individuals to collaboratively address adolescent health and well-being through Youth-Adult Partnerships (YAPs). Pods bring together diverse interest groups or individuals that join their human and material resources to produce a specific change that they are unable to deliver independently.

  • Pods operate within Texas DSHS Public Health Regions and are designed to:

    • Center youth voice.
    • Align efforts around Positive Youth Development (PYD).
    • Strengthen local capacity through shared learning and collaboration.

  • Each Pod is led by an organization selected to coordinate regional training activities, needs assessments, and community events.

     

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HOW ARE PODS SELECTED?

  • There is no application process. Pods are selected by TYAN administration based on the organizations:

    • Previous role as a TYAN Community Partner.
    • Demonstrated expertise in youth engagement and collaboration.
    • Proven impact through youth-led initiatives.
    • Contributions to the broader TYAN.

  • There is no formal training requirement to qualify. Selection reflects readiness and leadership already demonstrated. Pod Leaders are primed to lead initiatives in a larger capacity.  Their new efforts will take the principle of positive youth development in YAPs and integrate efforts in communities to influence community norms, policies, and engagement for and with youth. 

  • Overview of Activity by Year: 

    Year 1: Formation & Community Planning  

    Year 2: Implementation & Training  

    Year 3: Sustainability & Final Reporting 

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OUR PODS

TYAN has established pods with the following organizations. Scroll across and click on each Pod listed to learn more about their work.

1. The Pod Squad & Austin Youth Riverwatch – Austin

The Pod Squad, led by Austin Youth River Watch, is a youth-led Pod focused on environmental education and leadership development. Through hands-on activities like water quality monitoring and ecological restoration, the Pod Squad empowers youth to become environmental stewards while strengthening their confidence, skills, and community engagement.

Visit their website at: https://riverwatchers.org/

2. Healthy Futures Rio Grande Valley (RGV) – Brownsville

The RGV Pod focuses on nurturing youth identity, promoting health education, celebrating cultural pride, and building essential life skills for adulthood—including financial literacy and professional development. Through its annual RGV TeenFest, the Pod connects young people with local resources while honoring the vibrant cultural heritage of the border region. Its mission is to equip youth for a successful future while staying grounded in the values of their community.

Visit their website at: https://hftx.org/

3. Healthy Futures San Antonio – San Antonio

The San Antonio Pod focuses on expanding access to health education, fostering community connection, and promoting civic engagement. With a core focus on health, connection, and civic empowerment, the Pod advances these goals by elevating youth-driven priorities through TeensDaySA SLAY (Summit for Learning Among Youth)—an annual, youth-led event designed by and for young people.

Visit their website at: https://hftx.org/

4. Pod Co Hou – South Houston

The Pod Co Hou is a youth-led Pod focused on promoting mental wellness and emotional resilience in underserved communities. With a mission to uplift vulnerable youth, the coalition is rooted in: awareness education, accessible support, empowerment, and community building. Together, community leaders and youth collaborate to inspire hope and healing through a holistic, grassroots approach.

For more information about Pod Co Hou visit their Instagram: @thepodcoalition

5. The Core Four Partnership – San Marcos (Hays County)

The Core Four Partnership Pod focuses on assessing youth’s needs, strengthening services, and centering youth voice. Six youth-adult teams—including SOAR and the Greater San Marcos Youth Council—help guide the work and ensure youth leadership is at the core of all decisions.

Visit their website at: https://www.communityaction.com/youthcoalition

6. Texas Youth Mental Health Network – Houston (Missouri City)

The Pods focuses on equipping youth with tools for emotional well-being and leadership. Through mental health education, mentorship, life skills training, and collaborative partnerships with families and organizations, the network provides essential support for youth to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Their youth-led initiatives include published Mental Health Guides written and designed by youth as well as their Youth-Led Community Outreach Day . Their vision is to see a future where all youth have the confidence, knowledge, and support to lead mentally healthy and fulfilling lives, supported by a strong network of caring advocates.

Visit their website at: https://texasyouthmentalhealthnetwork.org/

7. Texas Youth Mental Health Network (TYMHN) – Dallas

The Pod is committed to fostering a supportive impactful environment for youth mental health advocacy. TYMHN Dallas is dedicated to driving change in the community through collaborative and active engagement. Through strong partnership, empowering youth voice and ongoing assessment, the pod is enhancing their collective impact, ensuring youth perspectives to guide program development, and addressing emerging community needs.

Visit their website at: https://texasyouthmentalhealthnetwork.org/

8. HYPE (Helping Youth Pursue Excellence) – Brazos County, Texas

HYPE Pod is a dynamic network of community organizations and individuals dedicated to ensuring youth ages 10–24 have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed. Serving as a central hub for Positive Youth Development (PYD), HYPE connects young people with support systems that empower them to achieve excellence in all areas of life.

For more information about HYPE visit their Facebook page: HYPE Helping Youth Pursue Excellence

GET CONNECTED

If you’re interested in connecting with one of our regional pods or would like personalized support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our TYAN staff at tyan@ppri.tamu.edu. We’re here to help you get connected and make the most of your network.