HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. met with John Brannen, a staff writer with Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, on May 22 and led him on a tour of Fortis Academy and the programs offered to students at the recovery school.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is an interdisciplinary research organization that focuses on issues including education, housing, health and population. The institute works in partnership with organizations and agencies that use its research, data and policy analysis to implement solutions to challenges the Houston region faces.

“Urban Edge” is the institute’s news platform.

Fortis Academy Principal Travita Godfrey joined Colbert and Brannen for the campus tour. The school is among 40 recovery schools nationwide, the third in Texas and only one serving students in the Houston area. All enrolled students are recovering from substance-use disorders.

The two led Brannen through the school, highlighting students and their success stories, as well as showcasing the academic offerings. That included the culinary arts program, which helps students develop coping strategies for substance abuse and serves as inspiration for career opportunities in hospitality.

Following the tour, Brannen sat down the Colbert and Godfrey for interviews. The campus guests were then treated to a full breakfast meal prepared by Culinary Arts Teacher Daisy Alvarez and graduating senior Lyric Lawrence.