As we begin a new year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the reach of Texas is Ready and the work happening across schools and communities throughout the state. We’re grateful for the dedication of educators, administrators, and partners who continue strengthening sexual health education and supporting young people every day.

In 2025, Texas is Ready supported schools and educators across Texas in meaningful ways:

• - 132 school districts, charters, and systems received support with abstinence-plus sex education training and implementation

• - 1,031 webinar registrants statewide participated in Texas is Ready professional development

Alongside this work, we gained valuable insight from recent conversations and feedback shared through our Learning and Impact Survey. Many of you shared that you are actively advocating for stronger sexual health education in your schools and communities. You also highlighted the need for clearer guidance on current legal requirements, as well as additional learning opportunities focused on creating safe and supportive classrooms for discussing sensitive topics.

In addition, your ideas are helping shape HFTX Classroom, and we’re excited to begin developing new on-demand learning modules in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you for your continued commitment and for the many ways you contribute to this work across Texas.

With appreciation,

Ana Belén Zelaya, Texas is Ready Program Manager

J.R. Chester, Sr. Director of Training and Technical Assistance

There’s still time to join us for the 2026 Healthy Futures Symposium, bringing together youth-serving and women’s health professionals from across Texas for learning, connection, and shared strategies to strengthen sexual and reproductive health efforts.

The Symposium will take place April 27–29 in Round Rock, Texas, with an additional virtual programming day on April 30. Participants can expect practical sessions, opportunities to learn from peers across the state, and continuing education credits across multiple disciplines.

Join us on January 29 at 12:00 PM CT for an information session on the Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program launching in Spring 2026, which focuses on preparing CHWs to support maternal, child, and adolescent health.

New Course: SHACs 102

Building on SHACs 101, our new SHACs 102 course is now available. This course explores the health education standards that guide School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs) and how councils can thoughtfully approach decisions related to human sexuality curriculum. It’s a timely resource for educators, parents, and community members looking to deepen their understanding of SHAC roles and responsibilities.

Researchers at UTHealth Houston are evaluating how effective iCHAMPSS is in helping Texas schools adopt and sustain sexual health education.

Who is eligible?
• Texas public or charter districts not currently implementing an evidence-based sexual and reproductive health curriculum
• District/school administrators
• Health and PE teachers
• Nurses, counselors, and other social or health service staff

What’s involved?
• Districts are randomly assigned to receive iCHAMPSS in either the fall or spring
• Participants complete brief, confidential surveys (15–20 minutes) at the start of year one and end of each semester
• Surveys can be completed anytime on any device
• Participants are compensated for each survey completed

If you’re interested in learning more or participating, please complete the form below.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Learning and Impact Survey. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and taking a moment to reflect on the work you’re doing in your schools and communities. As a small thank you, we’re excited to recognize the raffle winners below.

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you again to everyone who participated. Winners have been contacted directly via email. 

Did you know that Texas is Ready provides direct, one-on-one support to school districts, charters, SHACs, and communities?

Submit this form and let us know how we can support you in implementing high-quality sexual health education.