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Is Your District Eligible?

Over 500 districts are eligible across all 20 Texas ESCs. Find out if yours is.

EXPLORE

CATCH Rural Texas Initiative in Partnership with H-E-B Expands District Coverage

In March of 2022, we partnered with H-E-B, a San Antonio based supermarket chain, to establish the CATCH Rural Texas Initiative.

Our collaboration aims to reach under-resourced rural schools in target communities across Texas.

Due to high community demand, the list of eligibility has expanded to over 500 districts! Explore the list above.




H-E-B logo

Hear From an ESC

“As a Regional Specialist I was excited to hear that CATCH wanted to partner with us to host professional development with P.E. Teachers. Our region is a mix of small and large districts, as well as rural, urban and suburban. As we reached out to Athletic Directors, Coaches and P.E. Assistants, the interest of many was peeked, since there's not many organizations that offer P.D.s for P.E. As we co-hosted and attended the sessions, I can say that we were beyond impressed with the games and activities that CATCH has to offer and how everything can be aligned to the TEKS. I look forward to having them come back this summer and once again host these sessions with new and returning participants. With this, I also want to thank H-E-B who provided the funding for CATCH Rural Texas and for helping us connect with such great organization”

  - Mauro Sierra III, MA. | Region 2, ESC | K-12 Social Studies Specialist

The Grant in Action

From March 2022 to the present day, we have successfully provided professional development and program resources to over 350 educators from 208 K-8 schools across 31 rural Texas school districts serving over 96,000 students. This includes two signature CATCH Whole Child Wellness programs: CATCH PE Journeys and CATCH SEL Journeys.

Health Education Grant Elementary School Texas

Evidence

Despite children living in rural US areas having 26% greater odds of being affected by obesity compared to those living in urban areas, the implementation of evidence-based programs in rural schools is rare. CATCH Global Foundation is on a mission to change that.

In a three-year study implementing CATCH in a rural elementary school, qualitative data showed positive perceptions of the CATCH program and its implementation. This community-engaged research showed promising outcomes in mean BMI changes as well.

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A Mixed-Method Evaluation of a Rural Elementary School Implementing the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Program

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More about The Partnership

Recognized for its quality products, community service, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B operates more than 420 stores in Texas and Mexico serving millions of people in over 300 communities. In rural areas across Texas, H-E-B is often the only store within 30 minutes of driving where families can purchase fresh food.

National Rural Education Association Director

Hear From Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Dr. Melissa Sadorf is the Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association, Author of the Resilient Rural Leader, Podcast Host of The Rural Scoop, and longstanding Board Member of CATCH Global Foundation.

“Rural communities need strong health and wellness supports just as much as any other place, yet they are too often overlooked when resources are distributed. This expansion is meaningful because it recognizes that rural schools in Texas deserve to be seen, supported, and included in efforts that can improve outcomes for children and families.”

Duncan Van Dusen

Hear From Duncan Van Dusen

Duncan Van Dusen is the Founder & CEO of CATCH Global Foundation. He has consulted with hundreds of schools on creating a culture of wellness, and speaks regularly on health behavior theory, health education, and the youth vaping epidemic.

“H-E-B is second-to-none in Texas, and they have been the perfect partner in bringing rural schools and communities much needed access to health & wellness resources. We are grateful for their support of CATCH’s mission to empower educators with health education curriculum, training, and ongoing support to foster communities that thrive in mind, heart, and body.”