BOUNCE is a community outreach and research initiative within the University of Houston College of Education focused on reducing obesity-related diseases in underserved communities across Houston. Through evidence-based research and culturally responsive programs, we work alongside families, schools and community partners to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable change.
FOR FAMILIES
BOUNCE offers healthy eating tips and cooking demonstrations, fitness sessions, and psychoeducational sessions that help families eat healthier, move more, enhance mental health, and grow stronger together.
FOR RESEARCHERS
BOUNCE research endeavors advance knowledge on preventing and treating obesity and improving health outcomes in underserved populations.
FOR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
By supporting BOUNCE community-based health initiatives, you promote evidence-based comprehensive health programs that advocate for healthier families and communities and strengthen community connections.
"I loved the BOUNCE program. Now my mom and I go grocery shopping together. We make sure to read food labels to select better healthy food choices. We walk together three times a week after school. I feel like my mother now understands
me. It is very hard to lose weight without the support of your family."
- Program Participant
BOUNCE IN THE COMMUNITY
BOUNCE made a meaningful impact at a health fair event by actively engaging attendees through dynamic activities that promoted healthy and active living.
BOUNCE News
Championing Health Equity for Children of Color
Nobonita Saha presented the poster with clarity and depth, highlighting the urgent
need to advance health equity for children of color. Saha engaged the audience with
thoughtful discussion, underscoring the implications for public health practice and
future research. Her presentation sparked meaningful conversations around actionable
steps to reduce disparities and champion healthier futures for all children.
Groundbreaking BOUNCE Research at APA 2025
At the 2025 American Psychological Association Conference in Denver, Colorado, Tamal
showcased BOUNCE’s impactful work by presenting two research papers. He explored “The
Role of Self-Efficacy and Regulation Difficulties in Predicting Academic Procrastination”
and “Emotional Eating in Hispanic Adolescents: The Role of Anxiety and Sleep Quality,”
sparking thoughtful discussion among attendees.
Nutrition Ambassador Program (NAP)
The Nutrition Ambassador Program recently hosted a nutrition workshop where the BOUNCE team, alongside a chef, prepared
delicious snacks and meals, including the flavorful "Sabrosos" Lechuga Tacos. This
event was made possible through the partnership with the Hispanic Health Coalition
and generous funding from Direct Relief.
Latino Health Summit, People Choice Poster Awards
Mr. Ellis Odu and Mr. Paul Daniel, PATH Interns, first- and third-place winners of
the Latino Health Summit, People Choice Poster Awards.
BOUNCE and PATH interns
BOUNCE and PATH interns sharing information in the community about a new BOUNCE health initiative, Together for a Healthy Life – a diabetes prevention program starting in April 2024. For more information, contact
bounce@central.uh.edu.
Revolution Award
Norma Olvera received the Revolution Award from the Association for the Recognition of Hidden
Talent for her work promoting a healthy lifestyle among the Hispanic community in
Houston through the BOUNCE programs.
BOUNCE into the STEM Zone at Pilgrim Academy
BOUNCE implemented an 8-week after-school program titled Community Youth Experts:
Movement, Occupations, Voice, Nutrition (CYEMOVN) to integrate STEM within the context
of nutrition and physical activity among 35 Latinx and African American middle school
students.
BOUNCE Summer 2023 Wellness Program
BOUNCE implemented a 4-week summer program to promote healthy eating and cooking,
positive self-esteem, and exercise in youth and their families through activities
such as gardening, cooking demonstrations, and various sports.
Fernanda Bazan, 2021 Eye to the Future intern, won first place in a vaccine-hesitant
video contest sponsored by the Hispanic Health Coalition during the 2021 Latino Health
Summit.
Abriendo Caminos Workshop Has Started
Our virtual Abriendo Caminos program about nutrition and physical activity has started.
Families enjoyed learning about portions and moving their bodies through amazing exercises.
Dr. Olvera attends a fireside chat with Surgeon General Jerome Adams at the Health
Museum
Dr. Olvera, director of the BOUNCE Healthy Lifestyle Program, attends a fireside chat
with Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Harris County Public Health’s Umair A. Shah
to discuss the ongoing pandemic and the future of public health.
Foods to Help You Strengthen Your Defenses During the Pandemic
Many foods help your body defend itself against disease. View the handout to learn
more about their benefits.
Eye to the Future is an internship program at the University of Houston’s BOUNCE Program
offered to Latinx undergraduate students. Taylor shared the program's impact on nutrition
knowledge and career readiness.
The BOUNCE Recipe Book
View the BOUNCE Recipe Book for healthy, family-friendly meals. These quick recipes
are easy to make while working or schooling from home.
Dr. Olvera, director of the BOUNCE Healthy Lifestyle Program, shared strategies for
developing nutrition education programs for Latinos at the Food and Family Conference.
Eye to the Future Awarded Grant
Dr. Olvera has received an award from the USDA to mentor the next generation of childhood
educators through Eye to the Future.
The BOUNCE Program reached over 200 adults and children with the Nutrition Ambassador
Program. Participants learned about MyPlate and how to reduce added sugar and fat
in their meals.
Families were encouraged to “Get Up Get Moving” at BOUNCE’s annual 5K Fun Run. Funds
raised allow families to participate in BOUNCE community programs.
The award-winning BOUNCE Summer Wellness program promotes healthy eating, physical
activity, and body positivity among African American and Hispanic youth and their
families.
