Game, set, point! On Aug. 15, CASE for Kids welcomed more than a dozen afterschool program site coordinators to the division’s Smart Zone: Day of Play. The event showcased various educational activities that programs can implement at their sites and celebrated the relaunch of the Smart Zone.  

The Smart Zone lending library, funded by a Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) grant, is stocked with technology, cooking materials, sports equipment, educational games and more. The grant allows Harris County and 13 surrounding counties’ afterschool programs to check out activities to bring back to their campus to serve youth ages 4-12, and up to 19 with a documented disability. Coordinators may utilize the activities for 30 days before exchanging or requesting an extension on the items.  

“Most students don’t have access to resources like iPads and STEM activities,” said CASE for Kids Program Coordinator Kiera Hurst. “The Smart Zone helps strengthen the kids’ minds and builds their self-esteem and the whole afterschool community. This is part of our partnership with counties to better the next generation.”  

To learn more about CASE for Kids, visit www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone.