Public Policy Research Institute

The Texas A&M University Public Policy Research Institute is honored to have our Director, Dr. Dottie Carmichael, recognized in the The Bush School of Government & Public Service’s Former Student Spotlight. 👍 Her career reflects a commitment to rigorous research, public service, and meaningful policy impact.

Read the full feature!

Former Student Spotlight: Dr. Dottie Carmichael ’99 Legislation can have wide-reaching impacts: both predictable and unforeseen. Navigating that uncertainty requires policy expertise: something political scientists are uniquely qualified to offer. For more than three decades, Dr. Dottie Carmichael ’99 has built a career bridging academic research a...

🎉 Fun Fact Friday!

In 2019, the Texas State Legislature recognized Texas A&M’s Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) with House Resolution 27, celebrating 35 years of service and impact.

PPRI’s research and analysis have helped inform policy decisions and improve quality of life across Texas and beyond. 👏

Learn more: https://simplebooklet.com/ppri40th =39

PPRI researchers have found that evidence-based programs are most effective when delivered in familiar, trusted community settings. 🏡

That’s how sustainable healthy aging support becomes scalable across communities.

Learn more: https://ppri.tamu.edu/portfolio-items/vitalsteps/

Chronic Disease Self-Management Education – Vital Interventions for Thriving Aging Lives through Self-Management, Training, Education, Prevention, and Support (CDSME-VITAL STEPS) Chronic Disease Self-Management Education - VITAL STEPS 2025 - 2028 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Chronic Disease Self-Management Education – Vital Interventions for Thriving Aging Lives through Self-Management, Training, Education, Prevention, and Support (CDSME-VITAL STEPS) project promotes whole-pers...

Through our Public Policy Research Institute team's guidance of the Texas Department of State Health Services-funded Texas Youth Action Network, we are excited to highlight this opportunity to support impactful youth development initiatives across Texas.

TYAN's Spark Grant Application Deadline is approaching!
Apply now! 👉 https://u.tamu.edu/sparkgrant2026app

Only 5 days left! ✨ Spark Grant Application Deadline May 31st! ✨

👉 Apply now! https://u.tamu.edu/sparkgrant2026app

Got a bold idea for Positive Youth Development (PYD)? 💡 Turn it into action with a Spark Grant supporting innovative projects that make a real impact.

🗓️ Apply by May 31, 2026 (11:59 PM)
📍 Open to eligible applicants across Texas
🌟 Pilot a new idea, test a model, and help shape the future of youth development.
📧 Questions? [email protected]

Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Managing chronic conditions is easier when Older Americans are supported by trusted community connections. 💪

PPRI evaluations of ACL-supported CDSME programs found:

✔️ Participants were 4x more likely to report improved health.
✔️ Participants were 3x more likely to report stronger social connection.

Community-based programs help healthy habits, confidence, and connections grow over time.

Learn more: https://ppri.tamu.edu/portfolio-items/vitalsteps/

Administration for Community Living
National Council on Aging
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

This Memorial Day, PPRI honors the service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation and reflects with gratitude on the sacrifices made by military families.

At PPRI, we also recognize that honoring the fallen includes a continued commitment to those who have served. Through statewide veteran needs assessments conducted in 2020 and again in 2024, our team has worked to better understand the evolving challenges, priorities, and opportunities facing Texas veterans and their families. These efforts help ensure that the voices and experiences of inform policies, programs, and partnerships designed to expand access to care, economic opportunity, mental health resources, and community support services.

Learn more:https://costx.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TVC-Needs-Assessment-Presentation-Texas-AM-08.15.24.pdf

We are grateful to the veterans, veteran-serving organizations, and public agencies like the Texas Veterans Commission who contributed their insights to this important work. PPRI remains committed to advancing evidence-based solutions in honor of those who served, and those we remember today.

We honor and remember those who gave everything for our country this Memorial Day Weekend. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Our offices will close today, Friday, May 22 at Noon and reopen Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Please have a safe and peaceful Memorial Day Weekend.

Behavioral health support does not have to look clinical 🧠 Sometimes, it looks simply like conversation, activities, and shared meals with peers.

PPRI research shows that congregate meal services play a meaningful role in supporting connection and well-being for older adults.

Learn more: https://ppri.tamu.edu/portfolio-items/tcminext/

National Council on Aging
Administration for Community Living
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Texas Congregate Meal Initiative: Next Generation Behavioral Health & Wellness (TCMI-Next) Next Generation Behavioral Health & Wellness (TCMI-Next) 2025 - 2028 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Texas Congregate Meal Initiative: Next Generation Behavioral Health & Wellness (TCMI–NEXT)

Loneliness is common, but connection is powerful. 💪 Loneliness affects many older adults, but support is already being provided in Texas.

PPRI research shows:
📌 65 percent of Older Texans feel more connected at the congregate nutrition programs.
📌 Over 60 percent of Older Texans report loneliness as common.

Connection is already part of the solution. When older adults come together through congregate meal programs in their communities, they feel more supported, and that’s part of the solution.

Learn more: https://ppri.tamu.edu/portfolio-items/tcminext/

Administration for Community Living
National Council on Aging
Texas Health and Human Services Commission

🌊 Did you know that in 2018, PPRI partnered with Texas Sea Grant to study how residents along the Texas coastline perceived their community’s resilience after Hurricane Harvey?
By capturing community perspectives, this research helps inform stronger recovery efforts and better preparedness for future disasters.
🔗 Learn more: https://simplebooklet.com/ppri40th