- CASE for Kids
- The Houston Out of School Time Conference: September 26, 2025
What is Spotlight Afterschool?
About This Year's Conference
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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.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker!
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Keynote Speaker: Brandon “Griot B” Brown
Join Brandon “Griot B” Brown for a powerful performance and keynote that blends entertainment with education. This engaging experience highlights the impact of School Yard Rap on millions of students nationwide and celebrates the power of arts integration and representation. You'll leave inspired, equipped with tools to connect passion with purpose, and ready to show that every student matters.
About the Speaker
Brandon “Griot B” Brown is a Billboard-charting artist, educator, and former school leader who brings history to life through hip-hop. Inspired by the West African Griot tradition, he tells the stories of people of color and educates diverse audiences on race and equity. Griot B has reached over 800,000 students and teachers through 4,000+ school visits in 27 states, created 4 educational concerts, and released 9 impactful albums.
For more information, visit the School Yard Rap website.
Connect & Network
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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
Attend Breakout Sessions
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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
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Time Activity 8 a.m.–9 a.m. Registration / Breakfast 9 a.m.–9:45 a.m. Directors Opening 10 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Session 1: - Workshop 1
- Workshop 2
- Workshop 3
- Panel Discussion
- SMART Zone Day of Play 1
11:25 a.m.–12:40 p.m. Session 2: - Workshop 1
- Workshop 2
- Workshop 3
- Panel Discussion
- SMART Zone Day of Play 2
12:45–1:30 p.m. Lunch / Keynote (7-Minute Story) 1:30–2:30 p.m. Vendor Fair 2:45–4 p.m. Session 3: - Workshop 1
- Workshop 2
- Workshop 3
- Panel Discussion
- SMART Zone Day of Play 3
4–4:30 p.m. Raffle 5–7 p.m. Networking Event
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About CASE for Kids
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.