Conference is headlined by sociologist/author Karen Pittman and entertainer SaulPaul

The CASE for Kids Out-of-School Time Conference on Nov. 10-11 at the HESS Club, located at 5430 Westheimer, Houston, Texas, gives afterschool leaders and staff professional learning opportunities focused on out-of-school time programming. The event is hosted by Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids, or CASE for Kids. The theme “keeping afterschool cool” provides refueling opportunities for professional development, resources, networking and inspiration.

Friday’s session from 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. is tailored to administrators and leaders and includes learning sessions and networking opportunities. Headlining the event is Karen Pittman, co-founder and president of the Forum on Youth Investment. Pittman is a sociologist and recognized leader in youth development who formerly served the Clinton administration as director of the President’s Crime Prevention Council. She later joined ret. Gen. Colin Powell to collaborate through America’s Promise. She has authored three books and several dozen articles on youth issues. Snacks, lunch and an afternoon social hour are included, and cost is $60. Register at www.hcde-texas.org/register and enter workshop number 11689.

Saturday’s session from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. is for front-line and site-based staff who work with youth in afterschool programs. Pittman and other area trauma experts return for a panel discussion on Hurricane Harvey students. Possible health and behavior challenges are discussed, with best practices and behavioral strategies applied. In addition, area afterschool providers share their expertise and offerings for out-of-school time programming. CASE for Kids showcases items from its SMART Zone, a free, comprehensive collection of resource materials available to all Harris County out-of-school time programs.

“Musician with a Message” SaulPaul entertains on Saturday during the lunch hour. The musician from Houston has performed two TED talks and tours multiple music festivals throughout the year, including the famed South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Best known for his ability to improvise through freestyle, he has performed for the NFL and at the Kennedy Center. Part rapper and part singer‑songwriter, SaulPaul entertains and blends his message with guitar.

Cost for Saturday is $50 and includes 4.5 training hours along with continental breakfast, lunch and snacks. Register at www.hcde-texas.org/register and enter workshop number 11690.

For more information about the CASE for Kids Out-of-School Time Conference, as well as specific professional development sessions offered each day, go to www.afterschoolzone.org . View the schedule at a glance:  https://goo.gl/9V7g9j .