Program Overview

Introduction to BOUNCE

BOUNCE is a community outreach and research initiative at the UH College of Education dedicated to reducing obesity-related diseases among underserved communities in Houston.

Programs and Initiatives

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. This event was made possible through the partnership with the Hispanic Health Coalition and generous funding.

Latino Health Summit

BOUNCE and PATH interns shared information in the community about a new BOUNCE health initiative, Together for a Healthy Life a diabetes prevention program. Mr. Ellis Odu and Mr. Paul Daniel, PATH Interns, were first- and third-place winners of the Latino Health Summit, People Choice Poster Awards.

BOUNCE into the STEM Zone

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 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.

Abriendo Caminos Workshop

The virtual Abriendo Caminos program about nutrition and physical activity has started, where families learned about portions and moving their bodies through exercises.

Eye to the Future Internship Program

Eye to the Future is an internship program at the University of Houston's BOUNCE Program offered to Latinx undergraduate students. The program aims to impact nutrition knowledge and career readiness.

Research and Recognition

• BOUNCE has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels for its work.
  • In summer 2017, Norma Olvera, the founder and executive director of BOUNCE, was selected to participate in a prestigious fellowship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture based on her work in the health field.
  • In 2010, BOUNCE won an honorable mention award for cardiovascular health promotion by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • In 2006, BOUNCE was acknowledged as "One of the Best Nutrition and Physical Activity Practices" by the Texas Public Health Association.

Established Programs

BOUNCE Summer Wellness

Established in 2005, BOUNCE Summer Wellness is an award-winning healthy lifestyle summer program designed to promote healthy eating, regular physical activity, and body positivity among low-income Hispanic and African American children.