The Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN), a program of our Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) hosted its Summer 2025 Community Conference in College Station this July, welcoming a dynamic new cohort of Community Partners committed to advancing youth-adult partnerships across Texas. This is the cohort’s introduction to their Learning Collaborative, where they will learn and grow in their youth engagement experiences together. 

The event opened with remarks from TYAN Program Director Dr. Emily Naiser, who shared the program’s vision for empowering youth voices and fostering meaningful collaboration between generations. A keynote address by LaTasha Williams energized attendees, setting the tone for two days filled with insight, strategy, and connection. 

“The TYAN Learning Collaborative is more than a training—it’s a movement. We’re honored to work alongside these dedicated organizations as they champion youth voice and build transformative partnerships in their communities.” Said TYAN Program Director, Dr. Naiser. 

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in interactive sessions led by TYAN Curriculum Coordinator Ronda Jackson and veteran Community Partner and Pod leader, Angela Rice. These sessions emphasized the integration of social-emotional learning and positive youth development into organizational practices, equipping leaders with tools to build trust and consistency with youth. 

“This is not just another program,” one participant shared. “TYAN allows us to build core skills in youth development and guide youth in their own power.” 

Newly Inducted Community Partners 

• St. Francis Ministries – Lubbock, TX 

• Nailed It Academy – Mesquite, TX 

• The Sanders Hand – Houston, TX 

• HYPE Freedom School – Houston, TX 

• Texas Alliance for Youth Success – Edinburg, TX 

• Texas Alliance for Child and Family Services – Austin, TX 

• Royal Thoughts – Missouri City, TX 

• G.R.O.W. Youth – Rosharon, TX 

These organizations will participate in a multi-year journey with TYAN, receiving training and support to: 

• Build sustainable youth-adult partnerships 

• Center youth voices in decision-making 

• Strengthen organizational capacity for long-term impact 

The conference highlighted TYAN’s approach to positive youth development, including the “6 C’s” framework: Connection, Confidence, Character, Caring, Contribution, and Competence, a 4-H curriculum implemented by Ronda Jackson, PPRI Research Specialist III and lead in charge of TYAN Technical Assistance. “We incorporate the 6 C’s not just because its apart of positive youth development, but to help our sites use it as a measurement tool to determine what’s missing as it relates to positive relationships with caring adults in their organizations.” Stated Ms. Jackson. 

Dr. Dottie Carmichael, the Director of the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) stated, “At PPRI, we are proud to support initiatives like TYAN that invest in the future of Texas by preparing young people for community leadership. This conference reflects our commitment to evidence-based strategies that create lasting impact.” 

The Texas Youth Action Network (TYAN) is a statewide initiative housed within the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A&M University. TYAN is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and operates as part of the state’s broader efforts to promote positive youth development and community engagement. Through this partnership, PPRI provides research-based infrastructure, program evaluation, and strategic guidance, while DSHS supports TYAN’s mission to strengthen youth-adult partnerships and elevate youth voice across Texas communities. 

To explore the full TYAN project portfolio, visit: https://ppri.tamu.edu/portfolio-items/tyan/ 

For more information about TYAN and its Community Partner program, visit: https://tyan.tamu.edu/communitypartnerbenefits