Cougar Family Collective
What is the Cougar Family Collective?
The Cougar Family Collective is a student peer leadership program within the University of Houston’s Cougar Parent and Family Engagement Center. It engages students in leadership, outreach, and engagement efforts that support student parents and caregivers while contributing to a more connected and family-inclusive campus community.
Peer leaders help support workshops, events, and outreach initiatives, while also connecting students to resources and sharing feedback that helps shape programming. The program centers community, connection, and student voice to strengthen belonging and student success at UH.
Mission
The Cougar Family Collective exists to build community among students and families by empowering peer leaders to support student parents, foster connection, and create welcoming spaces across the UH campus community.
Vision
We envision a campus community where student parents, caregivers, and families feel supported, connected, valued, and empowered to thrive at the University of Houston.
Core Values
- Advocacy
- Belonging
- Community
- Empowerment
- Leadership
- Support
Who Can Join?
The Cougar Family Collective is open to University of Houston students who are interested in leadership, community building, and supporting student success.
This program is a strong fit for students who are passionate about advocacy, student engagement, education, social work, or community-based work. No prior experience is required.
Student parents and caregivers are especially encouraged to apply, as their lived experience brings valuable insight into the needs of students balancing academic and family responsibilities.
Peer leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and academic paths, and each person contributes something unique. What matters most is a commitment to community, connection, and helping create a more supportive campus environment.
Join the Cougar Family Collective
Take the first step toward becoming a Peer Leader. Please contact Chelsea Blake at cmblake@cougarnet.uh.edu to receive Info Session details and next steps.