Pearland ISD is partnering with UTHealth Houston on a new program designed to help students better understand mental health and encourage more open conversations about it.

The district's Board of Trustees approved the agreement with UTHealth Houston's Department of Psychiatry during its Sept. 8 meeting.

The program, called Youth Aware of Mental Health, or YAM, will give Pearland ISD students the opportunity to participate in five sessions, each lasting about 45 to 60 minutes.