Join fellow out-of-school time (OST) professionals at the Houston Out-of-School Time Conference—a full day dedicated to inspiring and innovative workshops that celebrate and advance the incredible work being done in the afterschool space.
This energizing event offers practical tools, fresh ideas, and valuable resources to elevate your programs and reignite your passion for youth development. During each session, attendees will explore best practices, learn how to nurture their own potential, and walk away with strategies to grow their communities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with a dynamic community of OST leaders. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this conference will empower you to shine in your role and strengthen the future of out-of-school time programming.
Connect & Network
Elevating You!
Connect and network with peers to learn and share strategies that will help you shine as an OST leader! We invite you and your team to experience the most uplifting blend of:
Networking and self-care opportunities to strengthen and celebrate you
Three Sessions containing Sixteen exceptional workshops to help you rebuild, reimagine your passion for positive youth development work
An Exhibit Hall with OST service providers and information resource booths
Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Opportunities to experience distinguished guest speakers, that will inspire and rejuvenate your passion
Community Resource Vendors
Covenant House
Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service
City of Houston
BBBS
Phoenix House
HPL
NCMEC
PAXIS
O2L
SETAA
Butler
Attend Breakout Sessions
Just a few breakout sessions for you to explore:
Growing Volunteer Network
Self-care/ Resilience
Family Engagement
Vaping
PAX: Good Behavior Games
Children’s Museum of Houston
Sponsor panel
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Conference Schedule
Time
Activity
8 a.m.–9 a.m.
Registration / Breakfast
9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Music and Senior Director Opening Remarks
10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.
Session 1:
Power in Partnership: Growing Volunteer Networks Through Community Collaboration
Building Resilience Early: The PAX Approach to Prevention
Supporting Staff Who Are Supporting Kids with Trauma
Family Engagement Panel
Special Session: Workforce
11:15 a.m.–12:25 p.m.
Session 2:
Keeping Kids Safe Online: Trends, Tools, and Trusted Resources from NCMEC
Succession Planning: Never too Early! Never too Late!
Refill the Well: Reclaim Your Energy, Inner Balance & Joy
Special Session: 21st Century
12:30–1:45 p.m.
Lunch/keynote
1:45–2:45 p.m.
Vendor Fair
2:50–4 p.m.
Session 3:
Vaping: The New Gateway to Youth Substance Use Disorders
From Code to Creation: Teaching Youth to Build AI Products in Afterschool
CASE for Kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education, services improve program quality and equalize access to afterschool, summer, and enrichment opportunities – because what happens between school and home matters. To learn more about CASE for Kids services, visit Afterschoolzone.org.
