Fortis Academy has teamed up with Houston nonprofit organizations to bring students new experiences focused on sustainability, creativity and cultural pride. Harris County Department of Education staff—including Fortis Academy Principal Travita Godfrey, Culinary Instructor Daisy Alvarez, Teacher Arial Coates and Construction Director Joe Carreon—met with leaders from Small Places and Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say last week to discuss programs that will launch in the upcoming academic year.
Small Places works to transform Houston’s East End through innovative urban agriculture that disrupts systemic inequities at the neighborhood level. The nonprofit’s executive director, Tom Garcia-Prats, was impressed by Fortis Academy’s culinary program for students facing alcoholism and substance abuse challenges. Students will soon learn how to grow and source fresh, organic produce for daily meals, strengthening their connection to a healthy mindset and diet. They will also be able to participate in a paid apprenticeship program and explore future collaborations around sustainability and education.
Tony Diaz, the founder of Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say, has worked to uplift Latin voices through literature, art and civic engagement for the last 20 years. A partnership with Fortis Academy will help spark inspiration through dynamic writing workshops, student-led storytelling projects and discussion sessions with nationally recognized authors.
These partnerships help create programs that offer students hands-on experiences that nurture leadership, imagination and connections to their communities. It also creates a positive outlet where students can learn coping skills and express their emotions through words or a new dish.