Youth Public Safety

Every issue -- whether poverty, homelessness, climate change, racial injustice, gun violence, healthcare, or education, severely impacts Houston's children. Today's children have faced unprecedented circumstances and have witnessed the horrors of school shootings, police brutality, global pandemics, and natural disasters, all within the last few years. The Mayor's Offi ce of Education and Youth Engagement works to engage youth in efforts to build a better future, one based not only on self-determination, but also on a society that recognizes the inherent worth of every child regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

The Mayor’s Offi ce of Education & Youth Engagement reviews data and statistics of socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors in Houston to develop a more holistic understanding of how neighborhood environments and public health conditions interconnect with crime. Analyzing factors such as illegal dumping, obesity, homelessness, substance abuse, and high school graduation rates presents a more accurate picture of the overall health of Houston communities and the impact crime can have on environments already vulnerable or susceptible to other community challenges.

Through education-focused initiatives, the Mayor’s Offi ce of Education and Youth Engagement (MOEYE) aims to create positive and enriching experiences for youth and families to improve perceptions and enhance community safety. In an attempt to lessen the effects of environmental burdens on youth and crime statistics, MOEYE has provided access to quality childcare and early childhood education, mental health interventions and support, and a youth workforce development program.

The City of Houston Youth Ambassadors Public and School Safety Committee develops projects to shed light on youth experiences and provide recommendations for improved safety for youth in their schools and communities. In 2025 - 2026 school year they develop videos for an anti-bullying campaign and a public safety contest, see more info below.

Public Events - Youth Safety Guide

The Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement developed this safety guide for youth to use when attending large public events. The guide includes safety tips, and resources for youth to stay protected and enjoy the festivities. Click image below to learn more.

Speak Up for Safety - Youth Contest

The City of Houston Youth Ambassadors, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement, collaborate on the Speak Up For Safety, youth contest!

The contest invites Houston youth (8th-12th grade) to share an impactful LOCAL project focused on safety and/or youth mental health that they completed during their academic year. It could be a project or event they launched at their school or in your community around the following topics:

• Promoting kindness and friendship
• Safe learning environments for students
• Anti-Bullying
• Youth Mental Health
• Wellness Activities
• Traffic/Transportation safety

Food Education

The City of Houston & The Mayor's Office of Education & Youth Engagement have collaborated with the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and the Mayor's Alliance to End Childhood Hunger to highlight the importance of food literacy and cooking skills. Through our NEW Food Education Social Media Campaign, the MOEYE is sharing information about how to prepare simple meals, the effects of nutritional neglect, as well as free food resources, etc.. Helping children and youth manage a nutritious diet is important for their health and development. We aim to strengthen their lifelong understanding of healthy eating and help youth build confidence and independence!

Find more information by clicking on the photos below!

The following are some key nutrition organizations and resources that ensure every child has food, education, and support for good lifelong health.

• The Mayor’s Hunger Alliance is a collective of more than 600 mayors dedicated to ensuring every child has access to healthy food.
• The Milan Urban Food Policy Pact is an international agreement among cities from all over the world, committed to 'developing sustainable food systems that are inclusive, resilient, safe, and diverse.'
• The No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices is a repository of information, tools, and resources designed to successfully end childhood hunger.
• Baylor University has a Board of Advocates that leads conversations on rural food access. They also offer a collaborative Hunger-Free Communities Leadership Program to build a hunger-free community coalition.