Powered by Play: Houston Out of School Time Conference

Invitation to Support the 2026 HOST Conference

A Message From the Senior Director
Why Your Support Matters

A Message From the Senior Director

The Power of Play in Afterschool

Play is more than just fun—it’s essential to youth development. In today’s results-driven environment, the role of play is often overshadowed by the pressure to demonstrate academic achievement. Afterschool and summer programs are often misunderstood as simply childcare or unstructured play spaces—instead of the powerful youth development spaces that they are. When intentionally integrated, play strengthens physical health, supports cognitive development, and builds critical social-emotional skills. Afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to create safe, engaging environments where youth can move, collaborate, problem solve, and build meaningful relationships.

The world of play itself is also changing. Technology, social media, and device-driven engagement are redefininghow young people interact, often replacing face-to-face connection with screen time. Add concerns aboutcommunity safety, and increasing costs of youth programming, many youth have fewer opportunities than ever to experience meaningful, active play. It is more important than ever for youth development staff to be equipped with fun engaging play strategies to foster youth engagement. Play remains one of the most powerful tools we have toengage our youth.

Today’s challenge isn’t just making space for play—it’s helping youth rediscover how to play.

Join Us: The Power of Play Conference

This dynamic, hands-on conference is designed for all youth-serving professionals committed to reimagining how play can transform outcomes for young people.

You’ll Experience:

Interactive workshops that model play-based learning strategies
Innovative games and tools that connect fun with academic and social growth
Practical techniques to engage youth in active, meaningful play
Opportunities to network, collaborate, and share best practices

Who Should Attend:

Afterschool and expanded learning professionals
Opportunity youth program leaders
Arts, sports, and enrichment providers
Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators
Anyone passionate about youth development

Come Ready to Play, Learn, and Lead

Rediscover the joy, purpose, and power of play—and leave equipped with strategies you can use immediately.

Because when we bring play back, we unlock potential.

Lisa Caruthers

Senior Director of Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids

Why Your Support Matters

Dear Community Supporter:

The Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE for Kids), in partnership with the Education Foundation of Harris County, is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Houston Out-of-School Time Conference, which will take place August 3–4, 2026, at the Kingdom Builders’ Center of Houston (6011 West Orem Dr., Houston, TX 77085).

Building on the success of last year’s event—where more than 250 attendees joined us—weare excited to expand our reach and impact by welcoming even more educators, youth development professionals, community partners, and leaders from across Texas. We hope you will join us in making this year’s conference even more impactful.

This year’s theme, Powered by P.L.A.Y., celebrates the creativity, joy and innovation that play brings to out-of-school time. Conference sessions will focus on:

Preparing the Workforce
Leadership and Capacity Building
Advocacy and Storytelling
Youth Development and Lifelong Learning

Attendees will experience engaging workshops designed to inspire and equip professionals who serve youth every day. Participants will leave with practical tools, fresh insights, and actionable strategies to strengthen their programs and better support their communities.

We invite you to partner with us to bring this impactful event to life. Your support—whether through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or service-based sponsorship—will help us create an exceptional experience for attendees while providing your organization with valuable visibility. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please review the enclosed sponsorship levels for details on partnership opportunities.

Out-of-school time programs across Texas face growing challenges, with future funding uncertain. HCDE’s CASE for Kids currently serves over 17,000 students, offering high-quality programming that helps underserved youth discover, develop, capture, and celebrate valuable skills that directly connect to college and career opportunities. These efforts are made possible through the generosity of community partners like you.

We deeply value your commitment to youth and community development. Your support will make a lasting difference in the lives of the young people we serve. If you have questions or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Venetia Baldwin, Development Coordinator, at 713-696-8293 or venetia.baldwin@hcde-texas.org. Please visit CASE for Kids’ conference website for more information about the event.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to invest in the future of our youth. We look forward to partnering with you to make this year’s conference exceptional.

Sincerely,

Lisa Caruthers, Ph.D., MSW
Senior Director
Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids
Harris County Department of Education

Powered by P.L.A.Y. Sponsorship Packages

Benefits	Playmaker $300*	Power-Up $425*	Game Changer $550	Partner $750	Platinum $1,500	Underwriter $3,000
Pre-Event Marketing
Event Recognition via Social Media Posts	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Logo with Weblink on Event Landing Page				✓	✓	✓
Video on Event Landing Page (up to 30 days after event)						✓
Event Marketing
Complimentary Ticket to Conference	1	2	2	2	4	6
Standard Exhibitor Table (6-foot table, 2 chairs)	1
VIP Exhibitor Table (prominent placement)		1	2	2	2	2
Reserved Seat at Spirit of Excellence Awards Luncheon		1	2	2	4	6
Recognition During Opening Session					✓	✓
Listing in Digital Conference Program/App	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Access to Attendee Networking Opportunities	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Social Media Promotion	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Breakfast, Lunch, and Light Refreshments	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Post-Event Marketing
Social Media Shout-Outs	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Company Logo/Webpage Link in Post-Event Email				✓	✓	✓

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