Houston Matters

Houston Student Receives National Award for Creating Literacy Program

Posted on · We learn about a literacy program called Reading Aces, which helps kids improve their learning skills and foster a love of reading. The organization was founded by Houston’s Brette Machiorlette, who was a sophomore at Lamar High School at the time. In January, Nickolodeon gave her its first HALO Effect award, which recognizes one deserving […]

Houston Matters

After School Program Teaches Houston Youth to Make and Build

Posted on · We learn about Workshop Houston, an after-school program that gives middle and high school kids creative, technical and educational resources. The kids work on all kinds of projects, including: recording their own music, making music videos, building their own bikes, painting and making sculptures.

Houston Matters

Houston and Texas As Literary Inspiration

Posted on · Poet Ange Mlinko acknowledges that the east coast is the epicenter of the American literary world. However, the author and professor at the University of Houston’s esteemed Graduate Program in Creative Writing says Texas and Houston are fertile ground for literary inspiration. The Lone Star State and the Bayou City have inspired some of Mlinko’s […]

Houston Matters

That Abandoned Lot in Your Neighborhood — It’s More Than Just an Eyesore

Posted on · Also this hour: Just a few months ago, the City of Houston rolled out its Mow-Down program – a pilot program to address overgrown abandoned lots in Houston neighborhoods. Officials say they’re eyesores which raise public safety concerns. We talk with the head of the program, Landon Taylor.

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City & State Pensions, Cleaning Up Abandoned Lots & Broadway’s Betty Buckley: Houston Matters for Tues., Jan. 7, 2014

Posted on · Mayor Annise Parker has called Houston’s pensions “unsustainable.” Following her recent inauguration, Mayor Parker says she wants to tackle the problem and create a more sustainable retirement for current employees. The Mayor and other officials have said there’s a growing need for pension reform. But what changes can be made without impacting benefits already promised […]

Houston Matters

SPARK Parks Bring Art & Fun to Schools

Posted on · SPARK Park is a city program that improves school parks and makes them accessible to the neighborhood after hours and on weekends. Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse recently interviewed Kathleen Owmby, Exec Director of the SPARK School Park Program, at Wilson Montessori school in Montrose. The park is filled with art and interactive elements for […]

Houston Matters

Social Entrepreneurs: Part Non-Profit, Part Business

Posted on · Social entrepreneurs launch businesses or initiatives – some for profit, some non-profit – but all designed to create some sort of social change or value. Recently, Houston’s chapter of the MIT Enterprise Forum brought some leading social entrepreneurs from around the country to town to help Houstonians understand what social entrepreneurs do, and the challenges […]